BLACKBURN Rovers chairman John Williams has slapped a "not for sale" sign on David Bentley as the transfer window enters its final days.

Sources in the North East suggested that newly-appointed Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan had the England international high on his shopping list as he looks to strengthen his squad at St James' Park before the window closes a week on Thursday.

But the Rovers supremo looked to quash any interest in the midfield maestro before it gets up a head of steam and revealed that discussions over a new deal for the 23-year-old were progressing well.

Mr Williams said: "Our position is clear, David Bentley is not for sale. We've not heard anything for Newcastle or anyone else and we wouldn't welcome any interest."

He added: "We stated recently that we wanted to sit down with David and his agent to discuss a new deal.

"He only signed a new contract in the recent past but we felt that his performances this season were such that it warranted us to sit down with him and discuss a new contract and talks are progressing well."

Meanwhile, Rovers are yet to hear anything from Levski Sofia over their loan move for striker Valeri Domovchiyski.

The Lancashire Telegraph reported yesterday that Mark Hughes wanted to taken the 21-year-old Bulgarian hitman on loan until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent deal.

But Rovers are still waiting on a decision from the Bulgarian side now that Domovchiyski has returned to his homeland.