Darren Moore discusses Ben Whiteman as rumour mill fires up again for Doncaster Rovers captain

Whiteman has been the subject of speculation in the last few days with Championship sides Preston North End and Queens Park Rangers linked with a move for the 24-year-old.

But Moore says no approaches have been made for the midfielder - and he will not spend time worrying about whether they will come.

“Anything happening on the outside of things, I can’t stop,” Moore told the Free Press.

“Ben Whiteman is our player, I’m his manager and I’m just focused on making him better.

“If he gets better that means he’s going to benefit Doncaster Rovers Football Club.

“He’s enjoying his football, he’s showing that consistency but he’s just got to keep going and showing that leadership which is definitely a part of his game that has improved.

“We’ve just got to keep him right.”

Whiteman has been the subject of interest over the past 18 months with Rovers rejecting bids from the likes of Hull City and Barnsley for the midfielder.

No club has yet even come close to Rovers’ baseline valuation for the midfielder and the board are steadfast in their determination not to lower their asking price.

Whiteman has two and a half years left on his contract with Rovers, which gives the club a position of strength in the market.

Moore said: “It’s probably the third or fourth window that we’re talking about him at this time.

“It’s good for Ben because he’s showing that consistency that means he’s on the lips of everyone.

“But he’s a valuable player for us and we continue with the same.

“He, along with other players, has been an integral part of the team certainly since I’ve been here.

“We look to continue working with him, developing him even more and making him even better.

“I think his game has stepped up again this season.

“There’s sides to his game where I’m thinking he’s getting better but he’s got to carry on and keep pushing and keep showing that consistency.”

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