First Mark Hughes walked out of the door to join Manchester City, and now Rovers will have to brace themselves for another significant departure. It will come as a surprise to very few that David Bentley wants to leave Blackburn, with the winger refusing to sign a new contract at Ewood Park, stating that he wants to be playing Champions League football. Sounds a bit like someone we know at Villa Park. The Guardian report that the England international isn’t bothered who becomes the new Blackburn gaffer as he’s made his mind up and won’t be persuaded to stay.
“I made it clear to the club what I wanted to do. The situation is I want to move on. I want to be playing Champions League football, or in Europe,” the 23-year-old said yesterday. “I’ve been here for three years and I love the club and I love playing for them but I feel like I’ve done everything I can. I want a new challenge. I believe I have done as much as I can at the club and want to push on somewhere else.”
Bentley’s Blackburn future has been in doubt for several months, with Liverpool among those interested in the £12m-rated midfielder since he informed Hughes of his decision last season. “I discussed things with the manager then and the chairman and I made it clear I wanted to move on,” added the former Arsenal trainee. “Their situation has changed but mine hasn’t. I need to be pushing on and moving on and that is what I am looking to do.”
The fact that he’s mentioned Europe in addition to Champions League means he would clearly settle for a team in the UEFA Cup. Which conveniently includes Manchester City, managed by none other his old boss Mark Hughes. Will they be quickly reunited at Eastlands?