Tottenham will make an £18m bid for Christian Benteke this week as they step up their pursuit of a top class centre forward.

Spurs are expected to wrap up the signing of David Villa before the weekend and are set to continue their spending spree with a bid for Benteke.

Two strikers are now the priority for Spurs who have been put off Valencia striker Roberto Soldado and, as revealed last week by the Enfield Independent, are now turning to Benteke.

Aston Villa have put a £30m price tag on the head of their star striker and are believed to be extremely reluctant to sell.

Tottenham however are confident they can land their man for less than that figure, particularly if Benteke publicly expresses his desire to leave the club.

They will test the water with an £18m bid but are expecting to have to pay at least £20m.