EX-Grimsby Town skipper Ryan Bennett has been attracting interest from several big clubs this summer, according to Peterborough director of football Barry Fry.

The 20-year-old who left Blundell Park in a £½-million deal a year ago following Mike Newell's departure has become a regular in Gary Johnson's side.

And that has sparked increased interest with Fry revealing Posh turned down a £1-million bid from Sheffield United for the centre-back earlier this year.

With Newcastle also interested and rumours that Arsenal and Tottenham are keeping tabs on the player who rose through the ranks at Town, Bennett's stock continues to rise after more than 100 games for the Mariners while still a teenager.

Fry said: "Arsenal and Tottenham have had a representative at our games for the past couple of years – and they are not the only big boys who regularly attend our matches.

"But neither of those clubs have spoken to us specifically about Ryan. The only dealings I've had over Ryan are with Sheffield United and Newcastle.

"Kevin Blackwell offered us a million when he was manager at Sheffield United, but we wouldn't even have taken that as a down-payment.

"Newcastle still do have a big interest and have asked us to keep them informed on Ryan.

"He is a player on a long-term four-year contract who is still nowhere near the finished article.

"He has started the season well and knows he has to keep performing."

Meanwhile, one of Bennett's former Town team-mates has found a new club after being released by Chesterfield this summer.

Midfielder Danny Boshell has joined Blue Square Bet North side Guiseley.

The 29-year-old spent the second half of last season at Saltergate after being released by the Mariners in the January transfer window.

The Yorkshireman had three-and-a-half years at Blundell Park and made 118 appearances, scoring 12 goals.