Chelsea set to launch shock bid for Aston Villa forward Christian Benteke

Stamford Bridge side chase Villa Park hit-man.

Chelsea are reportedly looking to sign Aston Villa forward Christian Benteke as Jose Mourinho looks to strengthen his attacking options this summer according to the Metro.

The 24 year old Belgian has been a man reborn in recent months, his return to form coinciding with Tim Sherwood’s appointment as replacement for former boss Paul Lambert, and Mourinho now sees the powerful forward as a possible replacement for likely exit bound veteran Didier Drogba.

Benteke netted a hugely impressive 23 goals in his debut season but didn’t reach the same heights in his second campaign and had continued to fall away prior to Sherwood’s arrival this term.

A run of 11 goals in his last ten games has helped Aston Villa to steer clear of the drop zone whilst also booking a spot in the FA Cup final.

Sherwood would not want to lose Benteke but it’s likely the player would have his head turned should Chelsea make an offical offer.