CHRISTIAN BENTEKE wants to join the money trail to China after the World Cup.

The Crystal Palace striker, 27, looks set to leave at the end of the season and his advisers are checking out Far East options.

4 Christian Benteke could be on his way out of Crystal Palace Credit: PA:Press Association

Belgium star Benteke can push his claims for a lucrative move by impressing in Russia this summer — whether Palace stay up or not.

Palace want to recoup about £20million of the £27m they paid for the enigmatic target man in 2016.

And they would be happy if a Chinese club came up with the cash.

The Eagles want new strikers for next season.

4 The striker has not lived up to expectations at Selhurst Credit: AFP

4 Christian Benteke is set to be on the way to China Credit: Getty - Contributor

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And a Benteke windfall would come in handy in either the Premier League or the Championship.

Benteke currently ears around £90,000-a-week.

And — even with a wage cut if Palace are relegated — would still be costing them about £50,000-a-week.

That means his agents will have to find a better deal for him elsewhere to make the move worthwhile.

4 Roy Hodgson could lose the striker whether his side stay up or go down Credit: AFP

Crystal Palace's Christian Benteke has injury time penalty saved in clash with Bournemouth

But sources close to the camp reveal there is optimism about a huge China pay day.

Palace lost 2-1 to Chelsea yesterday. Patrick Van Aanholt grabbed a late consolation after goals from Willian and an own goal blunder from Martin Kelly.