Hughes won't be rushed on Bentley
by Joseph Caron Dawe, 24 March 2008
Mark Hughes has insisted he is not worried by the chatter surrounding David Bentley’s future at the club, saying that he is unconcerned by the England international’s current contract situation.
Bentley’s stock appears to continue to rise with every game he plays for Blackburn, and Rovers are understood to be keen to tie the 23-year-old to a new deal.
Despite the supposed issue Hughes is unconcerned by the buzz being created about his young star’s future.
“I am not worried about the situation. David has three years remaining on his present contract, so there is no rush to sign a new deal,” Hughes insisted in The Sun.
“We offered him a new contract as a reward for what he has done this season. We recognise his progress and standing in the game.
“I know he is happy here and he realises he is not yet the finished article.”
However, Bentley’s team-mate at Rovers, Roque Santa Cruz, says the club may struggle to hold onto the player if a bigger side show an interest in him.
“I played with so many good players at Bayern Munich but David could play for the best teams in the world,” said the striker.
“It is hard to say if Blackburn can keep him. It would be very difficult for him to ignore any interest from the top teams.
“Who knows? We believe he has a chance to do well at Blackburn. He set me up superbly for my second goal and I know, when he is behind me, all I need to do is keep awake and he will find me.”