Ben Whiteman on speculation over his future and chasing his goals with Doncaster Rovers

Rovers turned down numerous bids during the summer, mainly from Barnsley, with interested clubs failing to match the valuation set for the skipper.

The 24-year-old says he paid little attention to talk of potential interest from other clubs and preferred to leave such matters to his own personal team and Rovers

“I signed a contract in November,” he told the Free Press.

“The club value me at a certain price and if that price is not met then I’m not going to be going anywhere.

“I just left it and let my representatives and the club get on with it really.

“I didn’t have a say in anything. Whatever happened happened and my focus was here.”

Whiteman last year committed to Rovers until the summer of 2023, again following a summer of rejected bids and plenty of talk of speculation.

Just as then, he says he would never let interest distract him from the task at hand with Rovers.

And he hopes to fulfil his ambition of playing in the Championship as a Rovers player.

“It’s never going to,” he said.

“I’m old enough and wise enough that if it does come then it comes and my representatives and the clubs will sort it out.

“It is what it is.

“I’ve said that ever since I’ve been here that I want to play in the Championship and I want to get there sooner rather than later.

“Hopefully that is with Doncaster.”

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.