Tottenham Hotspur look set to miss out on Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke even if they strike a deal with the club, as the forward is not keen on a switch to White Hart Lane.

A deal which would see Emmanuel Adebayor plus cash being exchanged for the powerful forward had been suggested, however, the London Evening Standard claim the Belgian still holds a grudge over Spurs’ actions whilst trying to sign him in 2013.

Two years ago Tottenham were expected to lodge a bid of £25 million and Benteke had handed in a transfer request in anticipation.

However, no offer materialised and the 24-year-old was forced, rather awkwardly, to remain with the Villans where he eventually signed a new contract.

There also remains the issue that Villa, who bought Benteke for £7 million from Genk in 2012, are due to pay the Belgian club 15 per cent of any profit they make above that fee.

Villa are reluctant to sell for any less than his £32.5 million buy-out clause, whilst Tottenham are cautious about spending big fees after the infamous summer of 2013, when flops Erik Lamela and Roberto Soldado cost the club a hefty total of £56 million combined.