Fabian Delph won't try to convince Liverpool target Christian Benteke to stay at Villa

Aston Villa captain Fabian Delph says he "wouldn't try to convince" Christian Benteke to snub a move to bigger club this summer amid speculation linking the Belgium international striker with Tottenham, Manchester United and especially Liverpool.

The 24-year-old struggled at the start to the season due to injuries but managed to replicate his best form in the last part of the campaign to keep his side away from relegation trouble with 12 goals in the last 13 games – and also scored in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Liverpool.

His impressive form has reportedly attracted the attentions of the Premier League giants as all Mauricio Pochettino, Louis van Gaal and Brendan Rodger are said to be looking into the market for a top goalscorer.

Meanwhile, agent Eris Kismet, recently confirmed Benteke was ready to leave Sherwood's side this summer as he wants to play for a club who have qualified for Europe next season.

Aston Villa executive Tom Fox, however, earlier this week claimed the club will make every effort to keep him by offering the Belgium international a new contract.

But with the striker having a £32.5m release clause in his contract it is understood he will decide to move somewhere else should any of the suitors accept to meet the buy-out clause.

And club captain Delph has admitted that, even though Benteke's departure will be a massive blow for the team, he is unable to convince him to not to move on in his career.

"He is a great player, world-class. But everyone is entitled to make their own decisions. Losing him would have a big effect. He is a great player, world-class in my opinion, and a good lad to have around as well. It would be a big loss – he scores lots of goals," Delph admitted, according to Standard Sport.

"But I wouldn't try to convince anybody [to stay]. Everyone is entitled to make their own decisions,"

"If they have a chance to move on and better themselves, I can't tell them not to do that. If they want to commit themselves to the club and stay, that would be happy days as well. But it is down to the individual."