25.05.2003 - Duff slams Blackburn asking price

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Damien Duff, a summer target of Gerard Houllier, has today hit out at Blackburn's valuation of him, labelling the club's asking price as 'ridiculous'.

The Irishman has attracted interest from both Liverpool and Man United over the past 12 months, but he fears that he will remain a Blackburn player unless the club are prepared to lower the £15million that they are said to be demanding.

Duff said: "I am getting fed up with it all now, there's a ridiculous price on my head. Even if I wanted to leave Blackburn, I won't be because of the ridiculous price. I wouldn't want to say what the price is but I know there's a ridiculous one there. It's stupid, nobody will pay it."

"We'll still be talking about this in five years' time and I will still be a Blackburn player," he added.

Liverpool tabled a bid believed to be in the region of £12million for the player last summer which was rejected by Blackburn, and it is unlikely that the Reds will be prepared to make a larger offer this year especilly as alternatives such as Harry Kewell are likely to be available and for a far smaller fee.