Benitez is not happy with the way Neill has conducted himself

Benitez appears to have been angered by reports that Neill, 28, whose contract is up next summer, may be considering a more lucrative deal with West Ham.

Benitez was prepared to offer left-back Stephen Warnock in part exchange.

But he told The Daily Mirror newspaper: "If he thinks about a move too long then maybe that tells us that he is not the sort of player we want."

Neill is believed to have been offered a higher wage packet by West Ham and that may have swayed his decision in snubbing Liverpool for the relegation-battling Hammers.

Blackburn have offered Neill a new deal but he has refused to sign it and can move for free next summer if he does not decide on a move during the January transfer window.