Christian Benteke to Tottenham: Emmanuel Adebayor could be offered to Aston Villa in rival bid to Liverpool

Belgium international being chased by both clubs

Christian Benteke scores for Aston Villa (Getty Images)

Tottenham are reportedly willing to offer Emmanuel Adebayor to Aston Villa in a bid to bring Christian Benteke to White Hart Lane.

It's suggested that Spurs officials are hoping that the Togo striker's relationship with Tim Sherwood could convince the Villains into relinquishing their grip on their star striker.

During Sherwood's spell as Tottenham manager he brought Adebayor in from the cold and was rewarded with 14 goals in 25 games from the erratic 31-year-old. His presence at Villa Park may be seen as a viable replacement should Benteke depart.

Emmanuel Adebayor gives Sherwood a salute (GETTY IMAGES)

Benteke, who has scored 49 goals in 99 Villa games since joining from Genk in 2012, has a £32.5m release clause but Spurs are not willing to match it.

Liverpool are in a similar position, refusing to pay the £32.5m that Aston Villa insist they will hold out for. The Independent understands the Reds are also willing to offer players in the opposite direction with Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini being offered. No bid has yet been placed.

The chase for Benteke comes against the background of his known desire to leave the Midlands club. The player has indicated that he won’t be signing a new contract to stay beyond the 24 months remaining on his current deal.