Atletico Madrid are chasing Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

The Sun says Benteke is being targeted by Atletico Madrid as a £17.5million replacement for Radamel Falcao.

The Belgian striker, 22, has been offered a bumper new deal at Aston Villa after scoring 23 goals in an impressive debut season.

But Spaniards Atletico - who have just sold Colombian ace Falcao to Monaco for £50m - are pinning their hopes on Benteke's desire to play in La Liga and the Champions League.

A Madrid insider said: "Coach Diego Simeone wants someone very special to replace Falcao - and Benteke is the one."