Tottenham are unwilling to meet Aston Villa's £25 million asking price for wantaway striker Christian Benteke, Goal understands.
The Belgian requested a transfer on Monday as he seeks to force through a move away from Villa Park, but the Midlands club are determined not to be held to ransom for their star attraction.
Spurs have stepped up their interest in the 22-year-old after missing out on David Villa, who has completed a move to Atletico Madrid, but they are not willing to offer more than £15m to get their man.
As revealed by Goal last month, Liverpool have also made an enquiry for Benteke, while Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is preparing a bid for the former Genk striker who scored 19 Premier League goals last season.
Spurs are considered favourites to land Benteke, but Villa will hold out for maximum return on the £7m they paid to sign him on deadline day last summer, while he also has three years remaining on his contract.
All three clubs are willing to offer Benteke a huge rise on his £20,000-a-week salary at Villa Park and the forward is keen to raise his profile in a World Cup year.
Benteke, who was due to be given an extended summer break, was withdrawn from Villa's pre-season tour to Germany this week after expressing his desire to leave, with the club stating that he will only be sold if a bid meets their £25m valuation.
Source: Goal.com
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