Reports in Ireland suggest that Newcastle’s Damien Duff could be set for a return to Blackburn Rovers, in exchange for England full-back Stephen Warnock.

Newcastle allegedly offered £2million outright for Warnock two weeks ago, but their bid was rejected outright. It is thought that the Magpies made an improved £3million bid last week, but Rovers were still not satisfied to release the England international.

However, The Irish Independent stated that the Ewood Park side could be interested in doing business with Newcastle should Duff be added to the deal.

Duff began is career in English football in 1996 with Blackburn Rovers, and spent seven seasons at the club before departing for Chelsea in 2003.

The Irish international left Stamford Bridge for Newcastle in 2006, but has seen his time on Tyneside hampered by injury and a dramatic loss of form.

Duff is one of the club’s highest earners and Newcastle’s owners are looking to trim the considerable St James’ Park wage bill.

Signing a left-back is a number one priority for Kevin Keegan this summer, with only Jose Enrique a specialist in that position. By contrast, the wings at Newcastle are reasonably well-stocked, and Duff could well be moving on.

Ref From goal.com