Frontman breaks silence on January interest from Tottenham and Aston Villa

Christian Benteke has revealed he is happy at Crystal Palace despite reports linking the Belgian striker with a move away from Selhurst Park in January. 

Benteke was courted by former side Aston Villa and Palace's London rivals Tottenham as the duo looked to sign a new frontman at the turn of the year. 

Villa eventually signed Mbwana Samatta, while Spurs secured the services of Steven Bergwijn from PSV as Benteke remained at Selhurst Park. 

Benteke has struggled for goalscoring form in recent seasons, yet despite scoring just 20 league goals in his last four league campaigns, Spurs boss Jose Mourinho was keen to land the 29-year-old following Harry Kane's hamstring injury in their 1-0 loss at Southampton at the turn of the year. 

And the forward has since spoken about interest in him from other clubs in January, telling Belgian publication La Meuse via Football London: "I take the interest of both those clubs as recognition. Here, people are decent: they know you’re a good player, that you can bring something extra. Everyone goes through complicated moments without it putting their value in doubt. 

"In England, all the parameters are taken into consideration, which goes beyond the number of goals scored. The number of aerial duels won is where I’m quite good.  

"The pressure I put on the opposition defence, playing with my back to goal, the player’s professionalism, how he fits in a system: all that comes into play, starting from the principle that a player’s quality doesn’t evaporate." 

Howeve, Benteke went on to explain why interest in him in January didn't go any further, adding: "Because I needed stability, especially with the kids. Plus, I’m really happy at Crystal Palace." 

Benteke scored Palace's only goal of the game in their 3-1 loss at Everton in February, ending a 10-month goal drought in the process.