Last Updated: Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:18
Blackburn boss Paul Ince admits he has held talks with David Bentley over the player's future and says he wants him to stay.
The 23-year-old is understood to be a summer target for Tottenham, Liverpool and Everton, after indicating that he wants a new challenge after three successful seasons at Ewood Park.
Mark Hughes' departure to Manchester City seemed to indicate the end of Bentley's spell with Rovers, but Ince appears to be doing all he can to keep the player.
The new Rovers boss confirmed he did meet Bentley last week to discuss the England star's future, and made it clear he is part of his plans for the future.
Ince told the Lancashire Telegraph: "We are obviously going to have to deal with a lot of speculation but as far as I'm concerned, I want David here next season and I'm looking forward to seeing him on July 7 for pre-season training."