After weeks of speculation, Spurs finally made their interest in Bentley official when they lodged a formal offer for the 23-year-old.

However, it is understood that the offer made was significantly less than the £15million Villa bid for the player earlier in the summer.

Williams told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: "We've had bids from two clubs for David Bentley; one when Mark Hughes was manager, and the other very recently. They have both been rejected."

The Rovers chairman also confirmed the club had turned down a formal bid - believed to be from Newcastle - for defender Stephen Warnock.

"We've had a bid of £2million," Williams added. "It was rejected and the club concerned has been told he is not for sale."