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Tim Sherwood says Christian Benteke is as good as anyone in Europe at the moment

Image: Tim Sherwood says no one will be able to afford to buy Christian Benteke in the summer

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood thinks the in-form Christian Benteke is the best striker in Europe at the moment.

Benteke is playing a huge role in Villa’s fight against relegation, having scored 11 goals in his last nine games.

He was on target twice in last weekend’s crucial 3-2 win over Everton and on Friday he was named the Barclays Premier League Player of the Month for April.

The Belgian will look to add to his tally at home to West Ham on Saturday and Sherwood said: “I don't know if there's a better striker in Europe right now. He's the best.

“He's in great form. We're creating the chances for him and he's sticking them away.

“I am delighted for him, it is great to see.”

Sherwood added that there is no chance of his prize asset being sold in the summer, although the future is not so certain for other members of the squad.

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Benteke is going nowhere in the summer, no one can afford him.
Tim Sherwood

"Benteke is going nowhere in the summer, no one can afford him,” said the manager.

"I'm still learning but there are a few I've rubber-stamped and a few I've got question marks over. They know that.

"They know they are on trial if they want to stay at this club, every training session and every game.

"They are on trial to get a place in the (FA) Cup final and they will want to stay here, because it is a big club. Some of them will never go to a bigger club than this.

"If they want to stay here they have every chance, but they have to continue to produce the goods. And that applies to everyone."

Gabriel Agbonlahor is available for Saturday, having been out for almost a month with a hamstring injury.

But Ciaran Clark and Nathan Baker remain out with knee injuries and are unlikely to be fit this season, meaning they are likely to miss the FA Cup final against Arsenal on May 30.

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