Aston Villa remain confident of securing Christian Benteke to a new contract.

The Express & Star says Villa are ready to continue contract talks with Benteke this week in a bid to keep the striker.

Villa held productive discussions at the end of the season but they were put on hold while Benteke was on international duty with Belgium.

Villa are confident of keeping the in-demand Benteke who hit 23 goals after a £7million move from Genk last summer.

The 22-year-old is happy at Villa with the club ready to offer a bumper new deal to boost his £20,000-a-week wages.