Tottenham are ready to make their opening offer for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

The Daily Mail says it is understood that the north London club will offer £20million for the Belgium international as the battle to prise him out of Villa Park begins.

Villa have so far made their stance clear and will reject anything less than £25m for a forward who scored 19 times in the Premier League last term.

Spurs have toyed with offering players in part-exchange for the striker but Villa owner Randy Lerner will reject any bid that does not meet his valuation.