Crystal Palace’s record signing Christian Benteke is speaking with teammate Wilfried Zaha in a bid to keep him at the club.

Benteke played the full 90 minutes on his Premier League debut for the Eagles as a last minute Scott Dann header rescued a point at Selhurst Park after Josh King scored early for Bournemouth.

After a poor first half Palace were much improved in the second 45 minutes, with substitute Zaha creating a number of chances, and Benteke is in no doubt of what the winger can bring to the team.

Zaha has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, and Alan Pardew left the 23-year-old out of his starting line-up after a distracting week.

“Everyone knows his ability on the ball, he helped us a lot when he came in,” said Benteke.

“I spoke with him and I try to convince him to stay, but it’s football.”

Benteke did not manage to score his first goal for Palace as Alan Pardew’s side secured their first point of the season, but was pleased the Eagles were able to end their losing start to the campaign.

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The 25-year-old Belgium international was relatively critical in his assessment of his own performance, but vowed to come back stronger for the next game against Middlesbrough.

“I didn’t play for a long time but I would say average, but the main thing is we didn’t lose,” he said.

“I will work really hard in the international break to come back really fit.”

Benteke said he was “happy” for Pardew to build a team around him at Palace, and is not bothered by his high price tag.

“That’s the business,” he said. “If you look now, even defenders cost more than me.

“The way that they play is good for me. I know the manager can get the best out of me.”

Yohan Cabaye missed a first-half penalty which could have brought Palace back into the game immediately after going 1-0 down, and Benteke revealed he will take ownership of penalty-taking duties next time around.

“I asked Yohan if I could take it but he said no,” said Benteke. “But next time I will take it.”

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