Tim Sherwood will use money from Christian Benteke’s proposed £32.5million move to Liverpool to renew his bid to sign Emmanuel Adebayor.

The Aston Villa manager brought the best out of Adebayor when in charge at Tottenham Hotpsur and remains a fan of his talents.

A stumbling block so far has proved the Togo striker’s wages, which were £170,000 per week last season thanks to a £70,000 per week contribution from Manchester City.

Emmanuel Adebayor's wages were £170,000 per week last season at Tottenham

The final year of his contract at White Hart Lane sees his salary come down to £100,000 per week, still way beyond the structure in place at Villa Park.

Tottenham, however, are keen to offload the 31-year-old and may make a contribution to his wages. Daniel Levy is thought to want a £5million fee but is likely to accept less.

The Aston Villa manager (right) brought the best out of Adebayor when in charge at Tottenham Hotpsur

Sherwood is aware Adebayor divides opinion but is confident he can reproduce their Spurs success at Villa. The departure of Benteke would likely mean he wants two centre-forwards, with an emphasis on Premier League experience.

Charlie Austin, who scored 18 Premier League goals last season, will not be pursued however. Queens Park Rangers are holding out for £15m despite the 26-year–old entering the final year of his contract.