Blackburn say Duff’s departure is on cards

OUTSTANDING Irish winger Damien Duff looks set to leave UEFA Cup hopefuls Blackburn Rovers, their assistant manager has claimed.

The 24-year-old is believed to be a target of Premiership champions Manchester United, runners-up Arsenal and Liverpool with the club admitting a bid of £12million stg (17.1m) would be hard to refuse.

“It is impossible for most clubs to hang on to their top players and it will be difficult for us to hang on to Damien,” Tony Parkes said. “He has been here a long time - he grew up here. But others blowing in his ear may sway his thoughts.