Speculation in the media in recent weeks suggests that Bentley is high up on Benitez wish list as he aims to sort out the issues on Liverpool’s right side.
Today’s comments from Mark Hughes, the Rovers boss, suggest that the fee bargaining is already beginning.
“We don’t have to sell David Bentley and we aren’t looking to sell him.
“The speculation happens every year with our better players, but if you look back, not many have ultimately been allowed to go.
“That’s because we know we will be weakened as a consequence, so we are not looking to sell any of our major players and I don’t expect it to happen.
“David Bentley has a good contract here and there is good length on that contract, so we don’t have to sell.”