Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke is attracting major Premier League interest. The Daily Star says the striker has told pals he will leave the Premier League strugglers, even if he helps them avoid relegation.

The news will come as a hammer blow to Villa and spark a £16m race for the Belgian's signature.

Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea are all keen on the hitman, who has scored 14 goals in 27 appearances since joining from Genk last summer in a £7m deal.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is leading the race to sign Benteke, who has made no secret of his love for the London outfit.

But Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is also a huge fan and could blow the Gunners out of the water when it comes to striking a deal.