Aston Villa could reportedly bring back former striker Christian Benteke, who currently plays for Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
The Belgian forward played three seasons for Villa before his big move to Liverpool.
The Sun have reported that the Eagles will allow Benteke to leave in the January transfer window, having secured the signing of Cenk Tosun from Everton.
The report states that manager Roy Hodgson will allow Benteke to leave on a loan deal in January. The 29-year-old signed an extension to his contract which was set to expire at the end of the current season, with his new deal keeping him at Selhurst Park till 2021.
But, having not scored just one goal in the last two seasons, his future does not seem to be at Crystal Palace. Benteke scored 49 goals in 101 games for Villa in the three seasons he spent at Villa Park.
Christian Benteke – A good option for Aston Villa?
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has seen several of his important players injured this season, including summer signing Wesley, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
This leaves Villa without any quality players up front, with the likes of Keinan Davis and Jonathan Kodjia the only other two options – but the duo have barely featured.
Benteke could be a useful signing for Villa and he could use this loan spell to his former club to get back his mojo, having been poor in front of goal in the last few years.
Villa have some crafty wingers/attackers like Jack Grealish and Anwar El Ghazi, who can create opportunities for forwards.
Benteke could use his physique and strength to good effect if balls are hit up to him early and he either brings the others to play with knockdowns or plays further up the field as a target man.
A loan deal would ensure that Villa do not have the burden of a transfer fee, which may be difficult for them to pay, having spent a lot of money in the summer.
The signing of Benteke could be a shrewd move by Smith, and one that is vitally needed for Villa in the January transfer window.
