The former Arsenal prospect has been heavily tipped to move to
Anfield in recent months, having become increasingly unsettled
following Blackburn’s failure to qualify for Europe.
Rovers boss Mark Hughes has rebuffed all interest so far and is
desperate to hang onto Bentley, whose link-up with Paraguayan
striker Roque Santa Cruz provided most of the club’s highlights
this season.
However, with news that Liverpool have revived their interest in
the England internaional by way of a ₤12 million bid and Bentley
himself showing signs of resisting committing to a new deal, things
do not look especially good for Blackburn in this regard.
"No I haven't signed it but we're not talking about that now," said
Bentley when pressed on the status of contract talks at Ewood
Park.
"I watched the Champions League Final and of course that's the sort
of match I want to play in. Every player when they start their
career wants to reach the top of their game and I haven't done that
yet.
"I wouldn't say I'm impatient - but I'm hungry for success," he
added.
Bentley was speaking from England's training camp, where he and the
rest of Fabio Capello's squad are preparing for their double-header
against the United States and Trinidad and Tobago.
"I don't look at myself as a full international," Bentley added. "I
haven't played in a big tournament, haven't played in the Champions
League, so I've still got it all to do at the moment.
"That's what I'm trying to do. I've still got to work hard, get
better as a player and hopefully one day I'll be in the big
games."