The representative of Christian Benteke has confirmed that Besiktas are interested in the Belgium international. The 27-year-old had a tough 2017/18 season with the Eagles where he managed just three goals in the Premier League and this witnessed him being dropped from Belgium’s squad for the summer World Cup.

Since then, there have been suggestions that Benteke’s opportunities could be restricted at Selhurst Park next season and his agent has confirmed potential interest from Besiktas. Speaking to Fanatik, Eris Kismet confirmed that the Istanbul giants are weighing up a move for his client but they are unlikely to match the £17.5m price tag on the striker’s head. He said: “I know Besiktas are interested in Benteke. I know FikretOrman in person, he’s a great guy and he has told me he is interested in Benteke. But his price may be out of range. What I can say is that Crystal Palace won’t sell him for under €20 million.”

Meanwhile, Kismet continued to suggest Besiktas may only afford a loan deal for Benteke at the moment and this could potentially pull the plug on the proposed move. Benteke had been an initial signing during his maiden season with the Eagles where he notched 17 goals across all competitions but he could not replicate the feat during the 2017/18 season.

Last term, Benteke managed to start 24 Premier League games for the south London outfit but on many occasions, he was found guilty of missing clear-cut chances. As such, he managed only a meagre tally of three goals through the league campaign and the Eagles are supposedly eyeing a new marksman to replace him.

Crystal Palace endured a horrific start to the previous campaign as they found themselves without a solitary point after seven matches but they managed to turn things around under Roy Hodgson by finishing in 11th spot with 44 points.