Yesterday, upon learning that a fee had been agreed between Chelsea and Blackburn, Damien pulled out of Rovers' tour to America. It is thought that he will hold talks with Chelsea this afternoon.

And Blackburn boss Graeme Souness doesn't fancy his chances of hanging on to Duff. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Souness said "When we arrived at the airport yesterday morning and checked in, Damien checked his bags through. Unfortunately for us, Chelsea have made an offer which triggers the clause in his contract that enables him to speak to them.

"They've offered a great deal of money for him and he's now talking to them. We hope that they can't come to an agreement and he'll be flying out here but we'll have to wait and see.

"It's going to be a difficult decision for Damien and I can understand it if he chooses to go to Chelsea because right now Chelsea are the big team in the world in terms of spending money.

"I'm sure he'll be offered a great deal of money to go there, but we still hope he'll be with us this year."

Duff himself admits to being quite shocked about the transfer fee, saying "It is a stupid price with the way the game has gone. But at the end of the day, it is all about money with football directors."

Yes, it certainly is. But just with Football directors? What about the players earning astronomical wages? More on this story as we get it...