Blackburn Rovers Football Club News

• Nickname:Rovers
• Founded:1875
• Manager:Steve Kean

• Ground:Ewood Park
• Capacity:31,367

Rovers begin Bentley talks

05 Mar 2008 - 09:20:32

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Blackburn Rovers are set to open contract talks with England international winger David Bentley in a bid to ensure that he remains at Ewood Park.

The 23-year-old former Arsenal youngster is already under contract until the summer of 2011, but Rovers chairman John Williams admits that a new deal will need to be negotiated.

He told The Times: "David signed a new contract a year ago, but needs a new one now.

"You have to accept that sometimes. I would hope we could keep a player like David Bentley happy at Blackburn."

Williams also confirmed that talks are ongoing with Benni McCarthy, Morten Gamst Pedersen and Stephen Warnock, with boss Mark Hughes keen to retain a majority of his squad for the foreseeable future.

He added: "We're not at an advanced stage with any of the players, but there are no stumbling blocks.

"Mark believes it's the best squad he's had in his time here and he wants to build on it, but also keep as many of the lads as we can.

"It's a good club that's in the top half of the Premier League, but how long we can hold on to certain players remains to be seen."