Christian Benteke drops a huge hint that he wants to join Manchester United

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke quickly unfavourited a tweet which he had earlier favourited linking him with a move to Manchester United.

The Belgian forward has been a target of Liverpool for much of the summer, the Manchester Evening News reports.

However, reports have now begun to surface that the 24-year-old is also on Louis van Gaal’s radar.

United are on the hunt for a new striker after the departure of Robin van Persie to Fenerbahce, which was confirmed on Tuesday.

And Benteke, who has a £32m release clause in his contract, has appeared to give his seal of approval of the idea via Twitter.

Earlier today he favourited a tweet from a fan who said the star was “exactly what they needed” as back-up to Wayne Rooney.

That’s despite him not even being tagged in the post in question.

He has since un-favourited it.

However, it did not stop many fans interpreting it as a sign he would prefer a switch to Old Trafford over one to Anfield.

Earlier this week, Villa boss Tim Sherwood was adamant that the Belgian striker wouldn't be sold unless someone unless someone agrees to meet his release clause.

He said: “I think he stays. We know Christian is a very good player and we want to keep hold of him.

“If someone matches that buy-out clause there is nothing we can do about it but until that happens he is an Aston Villa player and we are all very pleased about that.”