Christian Benteke stunned Aston Villa by handing in a transfer request and the move is likely to alert a number of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea.

The Telegraph reported that the striker is ready to leave Villa less than 12 months after his £8 million arrival from Genk and he has not travelled with the squad to Germany. Villa owner Randy Lerner will demand a fee of at least £25 million for the Belgium international.

Villa had offered Benteke a new contract last month, in a bid to double his current £20,000 a week salary, but the 22-year-old’s surprise move has damaged the feel-good factor ­created by Paul Lambert’s substantial squad revamp this summer. Chelsea would have to pay a hefty figure to sign him if they follow up their ­interest, however, as Benteke still has three years remaining on his ­contract.

Villa manager Paul Lambert said: “While we’re hugely disappointed that Christian has put in a transfer request, it’s important that people appreciate we are trying to build something strong and vibrant here at the club, something this club demands and stands for, and we want Christian to be part of that.”