Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has revealed that he may be powerless to prevent in-form striker Christian Benteke from leaving the club this summer.
The 24-year-old has been in red-hot form in recent weeks after netting eight times in his last six Premier League games to haul the Villans six points clear of danger.
Consequently, Sherwood could face a battle to retain his star man this summer, and he says that he would "take the money" if Benteke expresses a desire to leave.
"He's made no indication to me that he wants to play elsewhere. If he does then we will assess the situation but we want to keep him at the club" he told The Express.
"You can't force any player, I've been one myself. You might as well take the money because you end up without the money or the player if you don't take it."
The Belgian, whose contract expires in 2017, had netted just three times all season until Sherwood replaced Paul Lambert in February.
Shane Callaghan
