Aston Villa summer transfer dossier: Future of Christian Benteke key in Tim Sherwood overhaul

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has all but confirmed he is ready to overhaul his squad in the summer after the club avoided relegation to the Championship and reached the FA Cup final since his appointment in February.

And the uncertain future of Christian Benteke, who scored 12 goals in his last 13 matches of the campaign, will define what will be changed, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea reportedly considering to bid for the striker.

Business so far

Villa have already completed the permanent signing of winger Scott Sinclair from Manchester City after he joined them on loan in January. Sherwood has claimed some players have also been informed they will leave in the summer but the club are yet to name them.

What they need

Everything will depend on Benteke. If the Belgium international stays, the new signings will just need to complement him – and Fabian Delph. However, if Liverpool, who appear to be the main candidate to secure his services, meet his £32.5m release clause, Sherwood will need to reinvest the money by looking for depth of quality and a marquee top scorer to replace the striker.

Who could join

Aston Villa have been linked with Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson and Liverpool's Rickie Lambert to bolster the attack.

Meanwhile, Sherwood is said to be keen on the signing of Burnley defender Kieran Trippier, while the club are involved in a transfer battle with Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion for Hull City defender James Chester.

Who could leave

Apart from Benteke's uncertain future, Netherlands international Ron Vlaar may leave the club as a free agent even though Sherwood is reportedly likely to keep him in the squad.

Tom Cleverley's future at Villa Park is also uncertain. He has been key during his loan spell from Manchester United but with his contract at Old Trafford set to expire on 30 June, he could be tempted to move elsewhere as a free agent – with Everton monitoring the situation.

Furthermore, Darren Bent is out of contract and after enjoying his time on loan at Derby County, he may complete a permanent move to the Championship side ahead of next season.

Meanwhile, Philippe Senderos, Aly Cissokho and Carles Gil look set to depart, while there are question marks over the futures of veteran Shay Given, Matt Lowton, Libor Kozak Alan Hutton, Brad Guzan and Joe Cole.

What the manager has said

(On Benteke) "There's a buy-out clause in his contract so it will be impossible for us to stop him if he wants to go. Someone's got to meet that buy-out clause and if they don't, it won't be considered because we don't want to lose him. Everyone has one. Most players would have it when they sign new contracts.

(On squad overhaul) "We need to improve. We need to add to the squad but not only that, this group of players needs to get better. There'll be a few changes but it will be as many as we can possibly do. Obviously we know we need to improve.

"[The process will start] immediately. Some of the boys have already been told they won't be here next year or they can go and find other clubs."