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Liverpool and Tottenham tried to sign this Chelsea legend: Why deals fell through
CHELSEA legend Damien Duff has admitted he nearly joined Liverpool and Tottenham during his playing days.
Chelsea's Most Expensive Transfers
Duff was a big hit at Chelsea after signing from Blackburn Rovers back in 2003.
The former Republic of Ireland international spent three seasons at Stamford Bridge, winning two Premier League titles and the Football League Cup.
However, the 37-year-old has revealed Liverpool tried to sign him “two or three” times throughout his career.
“I came close [to joining Liverpool] two or three times,” he told Four Four Two.
Damien Duff has revealed he nearly signed for Liverpool and Tottenham
Damien Duff won two league titles during his time at Chelsea
“The first was a year or two before I signed for Chelsea [in 2003].
“I would have gone there, but Blackburn wanted a big fee so not too many clubs could afford to buy me back then!
“Then when I was leaving Chelsea, the same move nearly happened again.”
Duff joined Fulham after the Blues won the title in 2006.
And he admitted that, as well as Liverpool, Tottenham were eager to snap him up.
Martin Jol tried to sign Damien Duff for Tottenham
But his affiliation with Chelsea meant he never considered a move to White Hart Lane and, after leaving Fulham, he opted for Newcastle instead.
“I remember getting a message from Martin Jol, but I was a Chelsea fan after winning titles there so it was something I never really looked at,” he added.
“I had friends at Newcastle – Scott Parker, Shay Given – and I wanted to give that a real go, but I had a disaster.
“I gave them everything but sometimes moves don't work out.”