Hopes of Duff deal dashed

Duff, who had been reported to be unsettled at Stamford Bridge following the arrival of fellow left-sided player Arjen Robben, was said to have been a big-money target for a Liverpool side short of attacking options now that Vladimir Smicer has been ruled out for six months.

The rumour, however, appears to have little substance, as the former Blackburn Rovers man is ready to fight for his place in Jose Mourinho's star-studded squad next season.

Duff's agent Pat Devlin, speaking to the BBC, said: "It's nonsense to suggest he wants to go back to the north-west, there's no way he wants to leave.

"Damien has just recovered from a bad shoulder injury and isn't thinking about anything but playing for Chelsea."