July 18 2017

Christian Benteke

Crystal Palace manager Frank de Boer insists Christian Benteke is not for sale.

Benteke, 26, is widely reported to be a target for Everton who are looking to replace Romelu Lukaku after he departed in a big-money deal to Manchester United.

There is fresh newspaper speculation that Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is also lining up a bid for the Belgian international striker.

However De Boer says the Palace forward, who hit 17 goals for the Eagles last season, is a vital member of his side and is going nowhere.

"He's happy here and we really want him to stay," he said. "He made a great impact last season, especially in the second half of the season, and he is crucial to us and we don't want to sell him."

De Boer confirmed that Palace could soon be adding Ajax defender Jairo Riedewald to their defensive ranks.

He said: "I heard it's not done, it's a possibility, very good possibility for us. I know Jairo very well but it's not done."