Player ‘does not necessarily want to leave’ Crystal Palace this summer – Staying put on agenda

Christian Benteke does not want to leave Crystal Palace this summer, nor do the club plan to get rid of him either.

The Belgian striker has endured another disappointing campaign, scoring just one goal thus far and with his contract expiring next summer, it had been suggested he could move on this summer.

That looks unlikely to be the case, though, with Het Laatste Nieuws reporting there is no desire from him or Crystal Palace to see that happen.

The newspaper says that Benteke ‘doesn’t necessarily’ want to leave Palace, whilst they do ‘not want to get rid of him’ either.

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In fact, the 29-year-old is described as being ‘in the pardon’ of manager Roy Hodgson, indicating there is a desire from all parties involved to get him signed up to a new deal.

In terms of suitors, Club Brugge were named as a potential destination in January and HLN confirm he was ‘very much in the picture’ there.

Whether that interest remains at this point isn’t mentioned, although the newspaper does say he would be valued at €10.5m should he end up departing.

That doesn’t appear to be on the cards, though, with Crystal Palace and Benteke seemingly keen to continue their relationship.