Duff a step closer to Chelsea move

DAMIEN DUFF is set to hold talks with Chelsea over a £17 million transfer after pulling out of a pre-season tour to the United States at the last minute following a club record bid.

However, Chelsea chief executive Trevor Birch may yet have to persuade Duff that his future should lie at Stamford Bridge rather than holding out for a possible move to Old Trafford.

Chelsea hope that Duff will become the third recruit to Roman Abramovich's new-look squad, with Geremi confirmed last night as a £6.9 million signing to join former West Ham defender Glen Johnson.