Report: Manchester United to bid for Aston Villa's Christian Benteke

Manchester United have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke this summer.

Villa boss Tim Sherwood is expecting his top scorer to stay, but United could be about to compete with rivals Liverpool for his signature.

According to the Birmingham Mail, United will make a bid later this week and their manager Louis van Gaal is confident of landing the Belgian, who has a £32.5m release clause in his Villa contract.

United are currently on a pre-season tour in the US, but executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is reportedly to travel back soon to help with the completion of further signings.

The Red Devils have already signed Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin this summer.