Hughes - No rush over Bentley

Rovers boss feels midfielder is happy at Ewood Park

Last updated: 24th March 2008

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Bentley: Offered new deal

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Mark Hughes insists he is not worried about David Bentley's contract situation, stating there is no rush to tie the Blackburn Rovers midfielder down to a new deal.

Bentley has impressed greatly for Rovers this season and is also staking a claim to be England's first choice on the right wing.

He produced a sparkling performance in Saturday's 3-1 win over Wigan Athletic and was linked with Liverpool in Sunday's newspapers.

Rovers are keen to secure the 23-year-old to a new contract, but manager Hughes is not having sleepless nights over the issue.

Not finished article

"I am not worried about the situation," said Hughes in The Sun. "David has three years remaining on his present contract, so there is no rush to sign a new deal.

"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."

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz has suggested that it could be difficult for the club to hang on to Bentley, if a leading club make an offer.

Very difficult

Santa Cruz said: "I played with so many good players at Bayern Munich, but David could play for the best teams in the world.

"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."