Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has confirmed that Tottenham made an enquiry for striker Christian Benteke over the summer.
However, the Scottish boss claims that the north Londoners did not make an official offer for the forward and that he was not worried about the Belgium international leaving Villa Park.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Villa’s clash with Tottenham on Sunday, the former Norwich boss admits he was on holiday when Spurs made their enquiry.
“I was on holiday. I was not bothered. I knew what was happening, I was never really bothered because I knew he was never going to go anywhere,” Lambert told reporters.
“I didn’t worry about it. I knew myself what was going on, so I was not going to get caught up in something that was never going to transpire.
“Are you talking about when Spurs came in for him? Nearly every team alive were meant to be coming in for him.
“Some teams you don’t bother with. Unless I hear it from someone’s mouth that’s totally different, but you can read speculation all you want.
“It won’t really faze me until I hear it from somebody else. It never really played on my mind what was going to happen.”
Tottenham were in the market for a new striker to spearhead their assault for a top-four spot this season, and were heavily linked with a move for Benteke.
The former Genk attacker was reportedly eager to leave Villa Park after an excellent debut season in England, but had a change of heart to sign a new deal with the Midlands club.
Tottenham looked at a number of other strikers to bolster their squad, with Andre Villas-Boas finally opting to sign Roberto Soldado from Valencia.
However, the Spain international has yet to showcase his best form in England, while Benteke has made another strong start to the season for Villa.
The Belgium international has backed up the 19 Premier League goals he netted last term with four strikes in five games already.
Benteke has been on the sidelines for the last couple of weeks with a hip injury though, but looks set to return to the fray this weekend.
The Congo-born attacker was on international duty during the week, but was an unused substitute in Belgium’s final World Cup qualifier, a 1-1 draw with Wales.
Whether or not he is fit enough to start for Villa against suitors Tottenham remains to be seen, but it will be a real bonus for the home support having the star available again.
There will continue to be questions over Benteke’s long-term future, as many of England and Europe’s top sides keep an eye on the talented striker.
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