Duff comment ‘blown out of all proportion’

DAMIEN DUFF has dismissed claims that he is angry with Blackburn Rovers as speculation surrounding the Premiership’s most coveted talent continues to mount.

Duff was quoted last week as saying the club had put a ridiculous price on his head, believed to be somewhere in the region of £20m, as Manchester United and Liverpool prepare to battle it out this summer to secure his signature.

“Anything I say now there is an angle on it,” Duff said yesterday.

“I made one small comment and it was twisted out of all proportion, blown all over the papers and television. I just have to laugh it off, there is nothing else I can do.”

It has been reported that Manchester United are ready to offer £15m for the winger, with Liverpool also lining up a similar bid, the figure outlined in the escape clause of the contract Duff signed last summer.

As far as Duff is concerned though, he remains a Blackburn Rovers player.

“I am truly in the dark about what might be happening. I think the player is always the last to know. At the moment, I just consider it paper talk.

"I haven’t talked to the gaffer about it. I am happy where I am at the minute, and that’s a Blackburn Rovers player.

“Of course, I can enjoy it at some level. You must be doing something right if you are getting linked to the biggest clubs, but I haven’t heard anything from any club.

"My only preference as a club is Blackburn Rovers, and that’s all there is to say on the matter.” Duff has made no secret of his desire to play in the Champions League.

Tonight, like professional footballers everywhere, he will watch proceedings at Old Trafford and hope he can make it to that stage sometime.

While Blackburn’s late surge at the end of the season ensured UEFA Cup football next season, taking another step into the Champions League is unlikely.

For Duff to play there, he will have to move.

“It is every player’s dream to play in the Champions League, everyone wants to set themselves against the top players week in, week out.”