SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown believes the Shrimpers will have a fight on their hands to keep goalkeeper Daniel Bentley at the club beyond the January transfer window.

Brown insists that no recent bids have been made for the 20-year-old shot-stopper.

But Echosport understands Millwall, Burnley, Nottingham Forest, Queens Park Rangers and Bristol City are among those tracking Bentley’s availability.

And Brown fully expects an offer to be made when the transfer window re-opens in the new year.

“There has been a lot of enquiries made about Daniel and I certainly expect a bid to be made for him during the January transfer window,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“I obviously want to keep him at the club but it will be a challenge for me and a challenge for the football club as well.

“Personally, I want January to come and go as quickly as possible and that Daniel will still be our player by the end of it.”

Bentley, who has come through the youth ranks at Roots Hall, established himself as the club’s number one choice between the sticks last season and kept 21 clean sheets in 53 games.

"This season he has secured seven shut outs in 21 appearances and has improved as a goalkeeper, according to Brown.

“Daniel is getting better all the time and his distribution is of a very high standard,” said Brown.

“The way he throws the ball out is like watching a quarter-back playing American Football and it’s a huge asset to have.

“He kicks well and benefits from having targets like Barry Corr and David Worrall to aim for.

“I think January will be a big test for me, him and the football club.

“But I will be doing everything I can to try and keep him here because he’s obviously a huge player for us.”