Palace discussing new deals for Benteke and Tomkins

Christian Benteke and James Tomkins

Crystal Palace are in talks with Christian Benteke and James Tomkins over new contracts.

Benteke, 28, is one of the club’s highest earners on a reported £120,000 per week but his deal expires next summer.

Palace are keen to tie down the striker, who has scored just four times in the last two seasons, or risk losing him on a free.

Tomkins’ contract expires in 2021 but the Eagles would also like the centre half to remain at Selhurst Park after skipper Luka Milivojevic signed a new four-year contract last week.

“I believe negotiations are taking place [with Benteke],” manager Roy Hodgson told reporters. “James Tomkins comes into that category as well. They’re being handled by our chairman and the sporting director, Dougie Freedman. It’s up to the club.

“When players get into the last year of their contract, the club find themselves in a difficult situation because players can leave for nothing. If Christian signs a new contract, I’ll be happy for him and happy to work with him.”