Christian Benteke has handed in a transfer request

Aston Villa have confirmed Christian Benteke has handed in a transfer request and the striker will be allowed to leave if a suitable offer is made 'within an appropriate timeframe'.

Benteke was a revelation for Villa last season after his £7million arrival from Genk and he scored 19 goals in the Premier League.

The Belgium international was a key figure in helping Villa to retain their top-flight status and he has subsequently been linked with a summer move.

The likes of Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs who are reported to have shown an interest in the 22-year-old.

Villa have now confirmed that Benteke has asked to leave the club, but have rejected claims the powerful forward refused to travel on the pre-season trip to Germany.

A club statement read: "In response to reports that Christian Benteke has not travelled to Germany with the club and has made a transfer request, we can confirm that both are accurate.