Benteke named Premier League Player of the Month as Pearson scoops manager prize

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke has been named the Premier League's Player of the Month for April, while Leicester City's Nigel Pearson has scooped the Manager of the Month award.

Benteke scored five goals in four Premier League matches in April - strikes against Manchester United and Tottenham and a hat-trick against QPR - to fire Villa to four vital points that lifted them clear of the relegation zone.

Pearson, meanwhile, led his Leicester side to four consecutive victories prior to defeat to Chelsea as the Foxes hauled themselves a point clear of the Premier League drop zone from a seemingly hopeless position.

Jose Mourinho is ready to make a summer approach to sign Benteke, who has been revitalised under Tim Sherwood and scored 11 goals in his last nine matches in all competitions.

Leicester are looking increasingly likely to preserve their Premier League status under Pearson, who has courted controversy on several occasions this season and was forced to apologise after calling a journalist an "ostrich" following his side's loss to the champions.