BLACKBURN Rovers jet off to America later this week and Damien Duff is expected to be on board the plane, unless Chelsea come in with a new improved offer for the winger.

Several stories in the national Press over the weekend tried to claim a £15 million deal has already been done to take the Republic of Ireland international to Stamford Bridge.

But Ewood chief executive John Williams today reiterated the club's position by insisting Duff will not be allowed to leave for a penny less than the £17 million which would trigger a release clause in his contract.

"We will not accept any bid below the amount written into the clause in Damien's contract," said Williams, who also flatly denied reports that Duff has already been pulled out of the US tour.

So far Chelsea have had two bids rejected for the 24-year-old -- the latest worth £15 million which was tabled on Thursday.

But since that was turned down, the money-bags Londoners have not been back in touch and I can also confirm that no other club has been in contact either, despite reports suggesting Manchester United are ready to enter a bidding war.

However, with new Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich currently throwing money about like confetti, a new offer from the Blues can not be ruled out as they try to become the new power in English football.

Chelsea were again linked with moves for a host of top players over the weekend, including Arsenal duo Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry, Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, Southampton defender Wayne Bridge, Inter Milan star Christian Vieri and Manchester United midfielder Juan Sebastien Veron.

But just how many of those deals actually come off remains to be seen as England's top clubs dig their heals in in a stubborn attempt to hang on to their star players.