Duff’s Newcastle future unclear amid speculation of £4m bid
According to reports in Britain the Magpies are considering whether or not to accept the offer for the Dubliner, who they signed for £5m (€5.8m) from Chelsea in 2006.
Newcastle are resigned to losing some of their top stars following their relegation to the Championship and are looking to offload some high earners to slash their wage bill.
Duff, who is one of Newcastle’s highest earners, has previously indicated he would be happy to stay at St James’ Park, but it is understood as many as three Premier League sides are keen on the 30-year-old.
The former Chelsea star, who scored in Newcastle’s draw with West Brom last weekend, has been linked with a reunion with former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy at Wolves but a move to the Molineux is thought to be unlikely.
Meanwhile Duff’s Ireland team-mate Stephen Hunt says the lure of Premier League football and the desire to establish himself as a Republic of Ireland regular made his decision to join Hull City an easy one.
The winger signed a four-year deal with Hull yesterday, ending a four-year spell with Reading, and ‘‘can’t wait to get started’’ with his new club.
While the fee was undisclosed, Reading claimed Hull have paid a “sizeable fee’’ for the winger’s services.
Hunt said that ahead of the World Cup finals in South Africa next year it was important he was playing at the highest level possible.
“It (playing in the Premier League) is more important with the World Cup coming up,’’ Hunt conceded.
“I need to be in good form, I’ve just got my place (in the national side), the manager has faith in me and I enjoy playing for my country. But I have to play well for Hull to play in the Irish team. Of course the Premier League gives me a better platform for doing that. The higher level you play, the more of a chance you have.’’
Hunt added: “I have known about Hull City’s interest in me for a while.
“The speculation was a nightmare but this time I knew Reading were ready to sell me so I knew they were trying to get a deal done. That made it easier.
“I just can’t wait to get started. There were a few other teams in the pipeline but once the bid had been accepted by Reading, there was no way I wanted to hang about and I was delighted to come here.’’
Hunt says he took advice from Ireland team-mate Kevin Kilbane before deciding to join Hull. “I’ve spoken a lot with Kevin Kilbane about Hull and also with Michael Turner, who I know from my time at Brentford,’’ the 28-year-old said.
“Kevin came here last winter and he speaks very highly of the place. Because of the kind of lad he is, I know I can trust what he says. There’s a few familiar faces here and I’m looking forward to working with them.’’
Hunt believes he can put his experience of suffering relegation at Reading to good use at the KC Stadium.
“I know how difficult the second season syndrome in the Premier League can be from Reading, so, hopefully, I can bring my experience of that here.’’
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