Sam Allardyce insists Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke is not for sale

The Belgian forward has been linked with a £30m move to West Brom, despite only joining Palace for £32m from Liverpool in the summer.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Palace’s trip to West Ham on Saturday, Allardyce rubbished the rumour, insisting Benteke is a major part of his plans.

“Unless the chairman knows any different from me, Christian Benteke is not for sale. I think he'll be available for this weekend,” Allardyce said.

“I'm planning on him being here at the end of this window. He's scored eight already and he's got a big part to play.

“My interest is to strengthen the defensive areas at this time. Strengthening attack is not my priority. Keeping clean sheets is a priority for me, it's imperative we stop letting goals in.”