Bentley ready to jump Rovers ship to Tottenham or Liverpool

Blackburn midfielder David Bentley looks all set to leave Ewood Park this summer and the England man will prove to be one of the key summer recruits.

The former Arsenal trainee is not short of confidence and he has stated his desire to test himself with one of England’s bigger clubs.

Bentley announced his arrival in the top flight in 2006 with a hat-trick against Manchester United, but it was last season when the 23-year-old developed into one of the hottest English talents around.

Bentley has already displayed the qualities of a world-class midfielder, scoring brilliant goals and demonstrating a range of passing that would have David Beckham in awe.

Bentley has also set his sights on Beckham’s place in the England set-up and unlike Beckham, Bentley does possess enough tricks and acceleration to beat a man at close quarters.

After notching eight goals in 46 appearances for Blackburn last term he has now decided to move on from Rovers, who are 28.0 in the Premier League betting to finish in the top four, despite the arrival of new boss Paul Ince.

Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with the player who signed permanently for Rovers from Arsenal in January 2006.

But Bentley’s attitude has been called into question on several occasions and his refusal to play for the England Under-21s in last summer’s European Championships, due to fatigue, had coach Stuart Pearce questioning his commitment to the national side.

However that has not affected his prospects with the senior side and he made his full debut in February 2008 against Switzerland at Wembley and he is sure to be a big part of Fabio Capello’s World Cup qualifying plans.

His self-assured attitude and they way he has gone about asking to leave Blackburn – via an interview on TV – might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but his single-mindedness will be an major asset to whoever signs him.

He’s certain to cut the mustard with one of the Premier League high-flyers with Liverpool, who are 8.4 chances in the Premier League title betting, and Spurs (4.9 for a top-four finish) desperate to add a quality wide player to their ranks.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could be unwilling to spend big bucks on a player he allowed to leave. But whether Bentley is helping Spurs try and break into the top four or aiding Liverpool’s title bid he will be a big hit wherever he ends up this summer and he’s one to keep an eye on next season.