Crystal Palace boss confirms Christian Benteke will not be leaving in this transfer window
It was reported that Sean Dyche’s side, who sit bottom of the Premier League table, planned to swoop for Benteke after they sold Chris Wood to relegation rivals Newcastle United for £25million.
The report suggested that the Eagles would entertain a bid of around £12m for Benteke, but it later emerged that he had no interest in leaving the club.
Benteke, 31, signed a new two-year deal with the club in the summer after scoring 10 goals last season in Roy Hodgson’s final campaign in charge.
The Belgian forward has made 20 appearances in the Premier League this season under Vieira and has netted four goals so far.
When asked if Benteke would be staying at Selhurst Park beyond the January window, Vieira said: “Yes, he will be at this football club. Christian loves this football club, and he is a part of what we are trying to do.
“I shouldn’t even have anything to comment about it because it [his departure] never crossed my mind.
“Christian is a Palace player, he is happy to be here, and I am happy for him to be here.
“We are working together to try to take the team to a different level.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
