Crystal Palace hand new contracts to Christian Benteke and James Tomkins

Christian Benteke has been handed a new deal at Crystal Palace despite only managing one Premier League goal since the start of last season.

The Belgian, who signed for Liverpool for £30million in 2016, has penned a one-year extension through to June 2021 in south London.

Defender James Tomkins has followed suit, also agreeing a further year, with his contract now keeping him at the club until 2022.

Palace have been in negotiations with the pair since the summer.

While Benteke has fallen further out of favour this season, thanks to the form of Jordan Ayew, Palace's lack of strikers and the fee paid for striker meant the Eagles were unwilling to lose the 28-year-old on a free at the end of the season despite his hefty wage.

Benteke recently scored for Belgium as they thrashed San Marino 9-0 in Euro 2020 qualifiying, but his last goal for Palace in the 3-2 away win at Arsenal in April.