SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is determined to hang on to goalkeeper Daniel Bentley, despite interest from a number of clubs.

Sides from the Premier League and the Championships have enquired about the availability of the 21-year-old shot stopper.

But Brown does not want the Wickford based Bentley to leave.

“There have been a number of enquiries about Daniel now but no actual bids and this transfer window needs to hurry up and close,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“We’ve had teams from the Premier League and the Championship making enquiries about him and it doesn’t really surprise me.

“But my recommendation to the board will be to make sure we keep hold of our better players to give us the best chance possible of winning promotion this season.”

Bentley, who came through the youth ranks at Roots Hall, has now established himself as one of the best young goalkeepers in the Football League.

Echosport revealed earlier this week, how he was being watched by scouts from the England under 21 set up.

But Brown does not want the Shrimpers to be known as a selling club.

“Since I’ve been here I think we have been a progressive club and not a selling one which is music to my ears,” said the Blues boss.

“We paid money for Cian Bolger at the start of this season and we’ve also managed to get our best players, which includes Daniel, to sign new contracts at the club.

“As a group, we also have individual and collective targets for the players and we want Daniel to stay with us.”

Bentley, a former Bromfords School pupil, has now made 70 appearances for the Shrimpers.

He kept 21 clean sheets last season and could well attract more interest before the transfer window slums shut on Monday.