Aston Villa are believed to be unwilling to part ways with prized striker Christian Benteke for anything less than the £32.5million release clause in his contract.

Benteke, who has 12 months left on his current deal, has previously indicated his desire to leave Villa Park for a team competing at the top of the English Premier League table year-in, year-out.

According to theguardian.com, Liverpool appear to be the only club with a genuine interest in buying the Belgium international, but even they are hesitant to meet Villa's hefty valuation.

Villa are understood to be confident that the prospect of representing Belgium at the 2016 European Championship next summer will be enough to keep Benteke motivated during the season should he remain at the Birmingham club against his will.