Christian Benteke wants on-loan Mamadou Sakho to make Crystal Palace move permanent
Palace have lost just twice and kept four clean sheets in the eight league games where Sakho, who joined the Eagles from Liverpool in January, has played
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Christian Benteke wants on-loan defender Mamadou Sakho to make his move to Crystal Palace permanent.
Palace have lost just twice and kept four clean sheets in the eight league games where Sakho, who joined the Eagles from Liverpool in January, has played.
Record signing Benteke was a teammate of Sakho's at Liverpool too and believes once Palace's top-flight status is mathematically assured securing the Frenchman's future should be the club's top priority.
"I'm trying to persuade him to stay but it will be tough," he said in an interview with the Crystal Palace matchday programme ahead of the game with Burnley. "He'll have offers from other clubs, although our chairman and boss will try to get him to stay too.
"He's made such a difference to us. First, we have to make sure we remain in the Prem, but we're not far away now."
Benteke, who joined Palace at the beginning of the season under former manager Alan Pardew, says the club have to improve next season.
"It wasn't the plan when I came to fight relegation," he added. "Next season we have to aim for the top half of the Premier League table."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments