Christian Benteke Refuses to Commit Future to Aston Villa

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke has refused to commit himself to the Premier League club after admitting on Tuesday that his agent will decide his future.

Benteke has been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool and Villa manager Tim Sherwood revealed last week that he would be powerless to keep the Belgium international if a club meets his £32.5 million buy-out clause. (Gerrard a Dream to Play With: Daniel Sturridge)

The 24-year-old, who made impressive return to form in the second half of the season after recovering from injury, doesn't appear keen to remain at Villa Park after his agent Eris Kismet reportedly said he wants to play for a club in European competition.

Benteke is currently with his country ahead of their Euro 2016 qualifier against Wales and friendly with France but, asked about his club situation, he refused to offer any assurances he will still be in a Villa shirt next season.

"It's about him (Kismet), he knows what I want and I'll let him do the job," Benteke told Sky Sports News. (Yaya Toure to Stay at Manchester City)

"I don't know, I don't think about Aston Villa now. I did my season with Villa and now I am focused with the national team.

"It's important to play. If you want to be in the first 11 you have to play in your club." (Arsenal Deny Vidal Interest)

Benteke has scored 49 goals in 101 games for Villa since moving from Genk in 2012.

He recovered from a ruptured Achilles, which kept him out of last year's World Cup, to score 12 goals in his final 13 games of the season, although failed to net in Saturday's 4-0 FA Cup final defeat against Arsenal.

"I knew it wasn't going to be easy. I had some hard times with my injury but I knew my time would come and I would work hard for it," he added.

"I think I can be better in every situation - my left foot, right foot, heading. I'm still young and I'm motivated about working hard and being better than before."