Martin Keown expects Christian Benteke stay at Aston Villa

Former Aston Villa defender Martin Keown has backed the club to keep hold of striker Christian Benteke this summer.

The Belgian international has rediscovered his form under new manager Tim Sherwood, scoring eight goals in eight games.

Keown expects Villa to receive offers for Benteke at the end of the season, but the ex-England international is confident that the 24-year-old will remain at the club.

"It's a nice position for the club if they are fending off offers for him but they will face that situation if it arises," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "Villa are a big club with an ambitious manager and he is banging the drum and the players are following him. Benteke would not want to run away from that."

Villa are back in action on Sunday when they face Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley Stadium.