There are conflicting reports today concerning the future of Blackburn’s David Bentley with both Villa and Spurs seemingly locked in a battle for his signature.

It’s widely reported that Villa have had a £15 million bid rejected by Rovers with Ince understandably desperate to hold onto to his star midfielder.

Bentley missed last night’s friendly at Macclesfield, which Blackburn won 2-1, apparently through injury. Despite this ominous sign, Ince has stated that he hopes to have Bentley on the plane to Germany for their next pre-season date. There are reports however in the Daily Mail that claim that Spurs are close to a deal involving a figure of £11 million plus Paul Robinson.

Robinson’s arrival would be as a direct replacement for Brad Friedal who is apparently on the verge of signing a 3 year deal with Villa according to reports.

Things get even more confusing when you look closer at the story in the Mail. It goes on to claim that Ramos is allegedly considering a formation with just one central striker with Bentley, Modric and Giovani dos Santos in support. Ramos has apparently targeted Blackburn’s Santa Cruz as the ideal candidate for the role with both Berbatov and Keane expected to depart for United and Liverpool respectively. Both Keane and Berbatov played 45 mintues as Spurs put 8 goals past Spanish club Tavernes last night but their futures at White Hart Lane are clearly in doubt.

Meanwhile, Ince may well have brought in Nigel Winterburn to help coach his defence but he could find himself without Bentley, Santa Cruz and Friedal if these reports ring true.

We are still waiting for the frenzy of transfer activity that’s been bubbling for a fortnight now. When it comes, it seems likely that it will be back to the drawing board for many of our initial fantasy lineups.