Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has warned striker Christian Benteke from moving clubs before the European Championship next year.

The 24-year old striker has been linked with a move away from the Villa Park numerous times of late and it was confirmed yesterday by Sherwood that the Belgian international has a release clause in his contract.

However, the Villa boss is eager for Benteke to stay put in the West Midlands in order to play consistently leading up to next summer's Euro2016 tournament in France.

Sherwood said: "He's made no indication that he wants to leave. I've not had a conversation with him. I've told you my view on it, I don't think he should be moving clubs before a European Championship.

"We're building up to a European Championship, which is a huge stage as well. It's a tournament where you feel that Belgium will be one of the favourites to win it."