Tottenham Striker Pursuit Drags On As Benteke Returns To Training

Tottenham's pursuit of Christian Benteke is continuing to stall with the striker returning to training for Aston Villa this week after handing in a transfer request.

Benteke is one of Spurs' top transfer targets this summer, as Andre Villas-Boas aims to add more depth in his side's striking department after Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe both endured disappointing seasons for the north London club.

Adebayor is believed to be considering leaving Tottenham this summer leaving Villas-Boas with even greater need to find a striker, and the Benteke deal seemed to have taken a step closer to completion after the Belgium international handed in a formal request to his club to leave, athough a price is still being negotiated with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.

Whilst Benteke missed Villa's pre-season tour as a result of the transfer request, he has now rejoined his teammates and appears to be preparing for the season ahead as the transfer saga rumbles on.

Paul Lambert expressed his disappointment with Benteke asking to leave, explaining: "While we're hugely disappointed that Christian has put in a transfer request, it's important that people appreciate we are trying to build something strong and vibrant here at the club, something this club demands and stands for, and we want Christian to be part of that."

Villa are believed to have demanded £25m for their star, who scored 26 goals in the Premier League last season, but Tottenham are hoping to get the figure down.

Benteke had reportedly been hopeful that the move would have been completed this week, but like many potential transfers this summer, there will be ongoing negotiations as the striker gets back into a routine with his current club.