NEWCASTLE United will have to dig much deeper into Sir John Hall's millions if they are to prise David Batty from Ewood Park.

All the circumstances suggest the England and Blackburn Rovers midfield man will be on his way soon.

Even though Rovers stressed today that they are under no pressure to sell anyone and are still looking to buy players.

But North East sources confirmed that Newcastle, NOT Leeds, were confident of landing Batty, whose omission from Saturday's team was surrounded in mystery. I am told, however, they are thinking in terms of a figure of just over £3 million. Yet his Ewood valuation would be substantially higher, especially when you think that Newcastle paid £4 million for Warren Barton.

And chairman Robert Coar said today the club didn't want to sell anyone.

But Batty is believed to have left Brockhall on Friday morning, before the start of training. It's not thought that he was injured.

He was left out of the 14 to face Sheffield Wednesday and manager Ray Harford did not attend the post-match Press conference, claiming he had to leave "on business". The midfielder was substituted during last Tuesday's FA Cup defeat by Ipswich and that followed his unhappy experience in the Champions' League when he was involved in the Moscow incident with Graeme Le Saux.

Batty wouldn't comment at the time but he was understood to be unhappy at the punishment meted out and took time before accepting it.

It could be he believes the time is right for him to move on.

Since making an immediate impact at Ewood, following his £2.75 million move from Leeds, things haven't always gone to plan for Batty who missed virtually all the championship campaign with a foot injury. Newcastle, like Rovers, wouldn't comment on the speculation but they are known to be keen and were turned down on another transfer bid today, when David Pleat refused to let them have Chris Waddle for £500,000.

Mr Coar, however, did say: "There have been various reports about our players and, while we do not comment on speculation, it is a fact that Jack Walker, the board and manager are still looking to strengthen our squad.

"And we do NOT need to sell to do that. The manager had that re-affirmed to him only last Wednesday. If he wants to buy somebody, it is not a condition that he must sell first."

Rovers, however, could find their hand forced by other circumstances.

But reports that Leeds United have been in for their former star can be dismissed.

"Total rubbish and absolute nonsense" were the verdict of Leeds chairman Les Silver and managing director Bill Fotherby.

After conceding two early goals at Blackpool, Rovers B team stayed top of the table with a thrilling 3-2 win. Junior Obeng (2) and Andy McAvoy got the goals. No such luck for the A team, who crashed 5-0 against Manchester United.

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