SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is bracing himself for more interest in goalkeeper Daniel Bentley, despite Queens Park Rangers having now signed Alex Smithies.

QPR had three offers for Bentley turned down before moving on to bring Smithies in from Huddersfield Town.

But Brown does not feel that will end the speculation linking Bentley with a move away from Blues.

“QPR felt as though they needed another goalkeeper but there’s still talk of Robert Green going to West Ham so I still think there will be a lot more interest in Daniel Bentley before the transfer window shuts,” said Brown.

“Dan’s made no reference of wanting to leave but of course he’s ambitious like all footballers should be.

“However it’s testament to the lad that he’s remained extremely focused and we want him to stay because he’s a very important player for us.”

Bentley came through the youth system at Roots Hall and made 116 appearances for the club.