David Bentley Linked With £12 Million Move To Liverpool

Blackburn Rovers David Bentley has been linked with a £12 million move away from Ewood Park to join up with Rafa Benitez's squad at Anfield. As a part of the exchange, squad player Jermaine Pennant would be moved to Blackburn.

For Liverpool, the addition of Bentley would add some much needed quality in terms of crossing and delivery along the right flank. Strikers Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt could see their goal totals rise playing alongside the dynamic midfielder.

However, if Bentley were to leave Blackburn, he would not be guaranteed a spot in the starting eleven. A loss of form or a lack of playing time could severely hurt Bentley's chances for a spot in Fabio Capello's England squad.

The 23-year-old England international has flourished under current manager Mark Hughes after failing to establish a starting position in his five years at Arsenal. The winger has scored 21 times for Blackburn since joining from Arsenal back in 2006. 

The ambitious Bentley has stated that he desperately wants European football and could be leaving Blackburn his ambitions cannot be matched. Fabio Capello has also reportedly suggested to Bentley that his prospects with the England squad would be significantly boosted with the addition of European football at club level.

Following an impressive performance at the new Wembley last month against Switzerland, Bentley will be hoping to establish his place as England's top right midfiedler. Dubbed by the media as the 'new David Beckham', Bentley has once again been picked in Capello's 30 man provisional squad as England gets set to take on France in the Stade de Paris this week.

In the meantime, Blackburn chairman John Williams remains optimistic about the prospects of potentially signing Bentley to a long term deal.

"I have no reason to believe at this moment in time that we won't secure the services of the players we want," he added.

"Most of our players I'm pleased to say are under contract for a good amount of time but sometimes it's appropriate to try and renew those."