SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has revealed he has not given up hope of keeping goalkeeper Daniel Bentley at the club.

The Shrimpers shot-stopper told Echosport earlier on in the season how he was not currently keen to put pen to paper on a new deal amid interest from Queens Park Rangers.

But Brown insists he will do all he can to persuade Bentley to stay and believes now could be a good time to re-open contract talks.

“The only way we could maybe get him to sign is if we look like we’re promotion candidates this year,” said the Blues boss.

“The situation is a constant thought process in my head if I’m honest.

“I don’t want it to drag on but we’re eighth and had been in a rich vein of form before Tuesday so it’s probably the best time to try and get Daniel Bentley to sign.

“If it doesn’t happen it doesn’t happen but if it does then we’ll continue to move forward together.

“However, I’ve certainly not given up hope of him staying.”

Bentley has established himself as one the most highly-rated goalkeepers outside the Premier League and was a key figure in the Shrimpers’ promotion from League Two last season.

The 22-year-old attracted a £1.25million offer from QPR in August which Blues chairman Ron Martin opted to reject.

And Brown remains certain Bentley will go on to play at the highest level.

“I watched Newcastle against Norwich on Sunday and Dan Bentley would’ve saved four of those goals in my opinion,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“He’s destined for great things and is certainly a prized asset for us.

“I’ve had many conversations with him since the window closed and I’m sure they will continue.”

Bentley’s current deal expires at the end of the season but the Wickford based custodian will not be able to leave on a free transfer as he is still under the age of 24.

Any transfer is likely to be settled by tribunal but Brown also feels he could have a fight on his hands to keep in-form left-back Ben Coker at Roots Hall.

“Ben Coker’s emergence has been phenomenal and we will do well to keep him beyond January,” said Brown.

“But we have Ben on a three year deal so it’s a lot easier to keep hold of him than it will be Dan Bentley.