Former Aston Villa boss Ron Atkinson is urging his old club not to sell Christian Benteke.

Atkinson believes Benteke could help Villa finish in the European places next season.

"Every top club should be in for Benteke," Atkinson told the Daily Mail. "He would be the perfect replacement for Didier Drogba at Chelsea and at Manchester City they might get rid of Edin Dzeko. Manchester United badly need a new centre forward.

"If Villa keep Benteke, I'd almost think they can finish higher than Liverpool, he's that good. There are not many Liverpool players who make Villa's starting XI. Mario Balotelli? I wouldn't have him playing for my local team. That is the worst signing I can remember anybody ever making.

"Balotelli doesn't even look like he enjoys playing. That drives me up the wall."