Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has admitted that he is powerless to stop Christian Benteke leaving this summer due to the Belgian striker's buy-out clause.
Benteke is expected to have interest this Summer and has been widely reported to be Liverpool's number one target as they look to bounce back from a disappointing league campaign. Sherwood confirmed there is a "substantial" release clause which would be triggered if this is met.
Aston Villa's Belgian international has scored 12 goals in his last 12 games going into tomorrow's FA Cup final and is a clear danger man, a big performance from the striker could put him even further in this Summer's shop window.
Sherwood said: "There's a buy-out clause in his contract so it will be impossible for us to stop him if he wants to go. 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.
"Everyone has it. Most players would have it when they sign new contracts. I don't know what the figure is but I believe it will be quite substantial.
"He's made no indication that he wants to leave. I've not had a conversation with him. I've told you my view on it, I don't think he should be moving clubs before a European Championship.
"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. So to come here and score at the ratio in which he has scored, since I have taken over, if he ends scoring 20 or 30 goals next season he is probably playing for Real Madrid."