Martin Jol: 'I wanted to sign Christian Benteke'

Fulham manager Martin Jol has described Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke as an "unbelievable player" ahead of their match at Villa Park on Saturday.

Benteke was been a revelation for Villa this season, scoring almost half of his side's goals in the Premier League, and Jol has revealed that he wanted to bring the Belgian to Craven Cottage last summer.

The 57-year-old told Football365: "In England, nobody knew him so Villa did well with their scouting system. I think he is an unbelievable player for them. He has scored 15 goals.

"He was on my list as well. We only wanted to pay a certain amount. Maybe we should have gone to the bank or ask the chairman."

The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.