Rovers planning Bentley talks
27 Jun 2008 - 08:08:54
Blackburn Rovers are set for crunch talks with David Bentley when the unsettled midfielder returns for pre-season training.
The England international informed Rovers officials of his desire to leave Ewood Park this summer amid talk of interest from Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
Rovers have yet to make an official comment over Bentley's position, but chairman John Williams plans to sit down with the player and new manager Paul Ince when pre-season training gets underway next month.
"The players aren't back until July 7 so that will be the red-letter day," he said.
"Paul (Ince) knows you can't get better by selling your best players.
"David expressed a wish to leave, but (former boss) Mark (Hughes) told him he couldn't.
"We'll see if that position has changed. Paul will talk to David and see where we go from there."
Meanwhile, Williams has also played down reports that Manchester United and Arsenal are interested in signing last season's 23-goal top-scorer Roque Santa Cruz.
"I'm not aware there's been any issue other than speculation," he added.
"Paul will be itching to get hold of the players and start work in training."