Blackburn want £17million for David Bentley

Blackburn will sell unhappy England star David Bentley - but Tottenham, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Everton have all been told that the price is a staggering £17million.

Hard-bargaining chairman John Williams will hold out for the stunning fee as the auction starts in earnest for the wide man who wants out of the Lancashire club.

Rovers have turned down a players-plus-cash offer from Spurs for Bentley, with new boss Paul Ince reluctant to take Aaron Lennon or Pascal Chimbonda in part-exchange.

Blackburn would rather have cash to spend on the men they want - and Spurs are trying to find ways of selling Lennon, Chimbonda, Darren Bent and Steed Malbranque to raise the funds.

It is a race against the clock as Everton are also keen on Bentley, but can only move if they get a concrete offer for Spaniard Mikel Arteta. Villa will also come in with the money if Gareth Barry leaves.

Liverpool have tried to throw Jermaine Pennant into informal talks but their value of the England winger, 23, is closer to £12m.

Rovers are in a good position to bargain as Bentley is under contract. Ince would sell him but chairman Williams has the reins in the negotiations.

The only snag for them - and the potential buyers - is Arsenal receive a percentage of the sell-on fee as the Gunners kept a 'stake' in him.

Blackburn have had to pay extras for Bentley in terms of achievements and England caps, with around £3m paid by them to Arsenal. There would now be an extra windfall for Arsene Wenger from any sale.

Bentley reported back for pre-season training yesterday but leading Blackburn insiders expect a £17m offer this week.

Ince is chasing targets with right-backs and attacking midfielders under review.