Glenn Roeder has advised Martin Jol to forget about signing Damien Duff from Newcastle United. Tottenham Hotspur's quest for a left winger is understood to have led their manager to consider making a £7-million bid for the Dubliner but Roeder said yesterday he would not contemplate any such offer.
"Spurs must know they are wasting their time," said Roeder. "Why would we sign Damien Duff from Chelsea last summer and then sell him on before this season is over? We are trying to build a good squad at Newcastle and Duff is very much part of our plans."
Having seemingly abandoned hope - for the moment at least - of luring Stewart Downing from Middlesbrough, Jol had apparently been encouraged by reports that Duff was taking time to settle on Tyneside. Although Roeder has admitted Duff is yet to display his finest form, he is confident the winger, on the point of returning from injury, will soon be back to his best.
Roeder may miss out on his principal transfer target, the West Bromwich Albion centre half Curtis Davies. Newcastle are unlikely to pay the £11 million that West Brom are demanding and suggestions of a part-exchange deal involving Titus Bramble are unrealistic due to Bramble's wages.
Tony Mowbray, West Brom's manager, could, however, conclude more successful business for Middlesbrough, who are hoping to sign the midfielder and Hungary captain, Zoltan Gera, in part-exchange for Gareth Southgate's reserve goalkeeper Brad Jones.
Sunderland are optimistic of recruiting the left back Tony Capaldi from Plymouth. The 26-year-old is out of contract in June and may arrive on a free transfer. Guardian Service
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