Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has told Christian Benteke he should think carefully before considering a move away from the club this summer.

The 24-year-old Belgian international has been back amongst the goal under Sherwood and goes into Saturday’s FA Cup final in strong form.

He has been linked with a big money move away from the club this summer but Sherwood feels he should stay in put in order to protect his interests with Belgium at next summer’s European Championship finals in France.

The Villa boss did reveal however that with a release clause in his contract, the club could be forced to sell if the right offer comes in.

“There’s a buy-out clause in his contract so it will be impossible for us to stop him if he wants to go,” Sherwood said.

“Someone’s got to meet that buy-out clause and if they don’t it won’t be considered because we don’t want to lose him.”

Sherwood said the player has given “no indication that he wants to leave” Villa Park and, pointing towards the Euro 2016 finals, the former Tottenham boss says Benteke should consider what impact moving club could have his place in the national team.

He added: “We’re building up to a European Championship, which is a huge stage as well. It’s a tournament where you feel that Belgium will be one of the favourites to win it.

“By playing for Aston Villa it hasn’t hindered him being the first choice at Belgium, up to now.”

Aston Villa are 13.00 to win the FA Cup final at Wembley with both teams to score in the match.