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Frank de Boer: 'Christian Benteke happy at Crystal Palace'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 18 July 2017

Frank de Boer: 'Benteke happy at Palace'

Frank de Boer is convinced that he will get his wish in keeping Christian Benteke at Crystal Palace, despite strong links with a move to top-flight rivals Everton.

Crystal Palace manager Frank de Boer has admitted that it is "crucial" his new side keep hold of star striker Christian Benteke this summer.

The Belgium international was recently linked with a move to big-spending rivals Everton, who are seeking a direct replacement for departed frontman Romelu Lukaku.

Despite the ongoing speculation, De Boer remains convinced that Benteke - who scored 15 times in the Premier League upon joining Palace from Liverpool 11 months ago - will remain at Selhurst Park for the coming campaign.

"He's happy here and we really want him to stay," he told reporters. "He made a great impact last season, especially in the second half of the season, and he is crucial to us and we don't want to sell him."

Palace are expected to announce the arrival of Jairo Riedewald in the next 24 hours, meanwhile, with the Ajax defender becoming the second player to join after Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan from Chelsea.