Duff ends speculation with decision to stay at Blackburn

DAMIEN DUFF is to sign a new deal with Blackburn Rovers before the week’s end.

The Ireland winger has been linked with Liverpool and Manchester United since his dazzling displays at the World Cup, but, after lengthy discussions, he has handed boss Graeme Souness a huge boost by agreeing to stay at Ewood Park.

“I’m very happy here,” the 23-year-old said yesterday.

“I think my game has improved no end in the past year working with the lads and the staff, so I’m definitely going to stay on and try and improve my game even further.”

Duff is expected to sign the new deal when he returns from tomorrow’s Republic of Ireland clash with Finland. He has admitted that the deal comes as a relief after months of speculation.

“I’m still a young lad and all the speculation hasn’t really been fair on me,” he said.

“It’s definitely affected me but all you can do is get your head down and work hard, which is what I’ve tried to do throughout it all.

“I felt tired last week against Lazio and it showed in my performance so I wasn’t too happy at all. However, I felt a lot better against Sunderland on Saturday so hopefully I can now carry that on for the rest of the season.”

Meanwhile, Manchester United target Julien Escude is prepared to fight for his dream move from French club Rennes.

The 23-year-old was targeted by United boss Alex Ferguson, who so far has been frustrated in his bid to sign the former France Under-21 star.

Rennes have said that they are unwilling to sell him this season and the player is worried that any delay could harm his career.

‘‘I am worried such a chance might not happen again,’’ Escude said.

‘‘It’s an incredible opportunity for me and this is what I want the Rennes directors to understand.

‘‘A career in football is short and things are always going fast, that is why it is important to seize the opportunities when they come up.

‘‘It is time for me to move on and reach another step in my career.’’