Transfer news- Crystal Palace Issues Stern Warning To Chelsea: This PlayerChristian Benteke Is Not For Sale!

Crystal Palace boss Frank de Boer has heaped praise on his talented forward Christian Benteke and insisted the club have no plan to sell him.

Benteke moved to Selhurst Park last summer from Liverpool in a deal worth around £27 Million. And in the 2016-17 season, he was able to score 17 goals in 40 games for the Eagles.

The 26-year-old has emerged as a surprise target for Chelsea this summer with the club still on the lookout for a strong striker ahead of next season.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte told Diego Costa at the end of last season that he is not part of his plans at Stamford Bridge next term. The Italian manager was hopeful of replacing the Spaniard with Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku with the player linked with Chelsea for much of this summer. However, the deal had been hijacked by rivals Manchester United and Lukaku has moved to Old Trafford in a deal worth around £75M.

It was afterwards reported that Conte is an admirer of Christian and is considering a move for him, but he will only be a backup to a bigger name.

Apart from Chelsea, it is understood that Ronald Koeman’s Everton are also monitoring the Belgium international after selling Lukaku to Man United for a big fee and bringing black Wayne Rooney to Goodison Park.

However, Palace boss de Boer insists the player is happy at the club and that they have no intention of selling him