Roeder warns Tottenham off Duff

Posted on 23rd January 2007

Newcastle United have warned Tottenham off making an approaching for Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff. Tottenham are keen to add a left sided midfielder to their ranks and are ready to make what would be a second move for the player. But as in the close season, when the twenty-seven-year-old chose to travel north to St James’ Park in a £5m switch from Chelsea, the Spurs boss is wasting his time.

“We have read the reports of Spurs wanting Damien Duff over the weekend, but we have heard nothing from them,” said Newcastle United manager Glenn Roeder. “In any case, they must know they are wasting their time. Why would we sign Damien Duff in the close season and then sell him on before that season is over? We are trying to build a good squad here at Newcastle United and Duff is very much part of our plans.”

Newcastle are keen to make new signings rather than let players go but Roeder will have to make do with loans it seems when the window shuts next week. There has been talk over the weekend of Roeder making a £5m bid for Ajax’s twenty-year-old striker Ryan Babel however wide of the mark. Meanwhile, United have been puzzled about reports that they are in talks with James Milner to tie the England Under-twenty international down to a deal until 2011, especially as they have him under contract until 2009.

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