Tottenham to use Andros Townsend as bait in signing Aston Villa star Christian Benteke

Tottenham are considering a player-plus-cash deal in signing Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, according to the Mirror.

The 24-year-old has flourished under Tim Sherwood in the second half of last season as Villa avoid relegation to the Championship and also made it to the FA Cup final, where they lost to Arsenal.

Benteke's form has attracted interest from Premier League clubs. Apart from Tottenham, Liverpool are also keen on securing the striker's services, while the Reds' arch-rivals Manchester United are also reportedly interested in signing him.

Sherwood has already confirmed his star player has a £32.5m ($50m) release clause in his contract. The north London club are unwilling to meet the striker's valuation, which will not allow them to land him in the summer transfer window.

Mauricio Pochettino is an admirer of the Belgium international and he is willing to allow Andros Townsend join Villa in their bid to sign Benteke. The England international has worked under Sherwood when the English manager was in charge at White Hart Lane.

Sherwood is aware of the winger's ability and the move will see Townsend work under his former manager at Villa Park. Tottenham, on the other hand, believe that a bid of £25m and including Townsend as a part of the deal would convince Villa to part ways with Benteke.

Meanwhile, Belgium manager Marc Wilmots has lashed out at Benteke and Romelu Lukaku for their lack of movement after their loss to Wales, during their last Euro 2016 qualifiers on 12 June.

Belgium suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Wales. Real Madrid's Gareth Bale scored the only goal of the match after the forward capitalised on Radja Nainggolan misjudged header.

"We are a bit disappointed. The first half was good, but we've given away a goal and that made Wales stronger," Wilmots explained.

"I changed my system afterwards, because Benteke was isolated. I then played with two strikers, but they need more crosses. We asked them to get to the front post, but they stand there like two poles. We still have work to do."

"We missed [Marouane Fellaini] in this game because this really was a match for him. He gets in the box," he added.