You are in > manchester.com  > News > Hughes dismisses Bentley transfer speculation

General Sport

Hughes dismisses Bentley transfer speculation

26/04/2008

Mark Hughes has dismissed speculation that midfielder David Bentley is set to move away from Blackburn Rovers.

After an impressive season for the Lancashire club in addition to making himself a fixture in Fabio Capello's new-look England side, the former Arsenal player has been linked with a big-money move.

Liverpool are among the teams believed to be interested in signing the 23-year-old, but Rovers boss Hughes is adamant that he is under no pressure to sell one of his top players.

"We don't have to sell David Bentley and we aren't looking to sell him," the former Manchester United striker said.

"The speculation happens every year with our better players, but if you look back, not many have ultimately been allowed to go.

"That's because we know we will be weakened as a consequence, so we are not looking to sell any of our major players and I don't expect it to happen."

The comments come soon on the back of the announcement that Blackburn have agreed a new three-year deal with South African Benni McCarthy.

Under the new deal, the striker will stay at the club until 2011 as Hughes attempts to bring regular European football to Ewood Park.