Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke has reportedly expressed his desire to stay in the English Premier League despite recently having big-money offers from several unnamed Chinese Super League squads.
The 26-year-old Belgium international has become the latest big-name European player to be mentioned in transfer rumors linking to the Far East. He has been prolific this season, scoring eight goals in 18 English top flight games so far, as per Sports Mole.
Benteke has gone back to his top form after his transfer to Crystal Palace during last year's summer transfer window from another English club, Liverpool FC. He had struggled to find first-team time at the Anfield last season, netting only 10 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions, following his $40 million transfer from Aston Villa in the summer of 2015.
With his recent exemplary performances, Benteke has attracted the interest of teams from China, particularly in the country's top-tier competitions, the Chinese Super League.
China top flight clubs has been aggressive in luring top-notch European players in the ongoing winter window. They have already acquired Carlos Tevez, Oscar, and John Obi Mikel in recent multi-million deals from their respective clubs and rumors abound that the CSL is not finished yet.
There are speculations saying that football legends Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, and John Terry were also being tempted by Chinese squads, but all of them have turned down offers so far, according to rumors.
Benteke's fellow Belgian, Axel Witsel, have also recently joined the CSL, leaving Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg on Jan. 3 for Tianjin Quanjian.
Daily Mail Online reported that despite the millions offered by the CSL, Benteke is set to stay at the Selhurst Park as he wants to help the Eagles fight off relegation and stay in the Premier League next season.
Benteke is rumored to receive a $245,000 weekly wage in China should he accept the offer, double of what he is currently earning with Palace at $121,600 a week.