Blackburn Rovers chairman John Williams has given manager Paul Ince his full backing in terms of holding on to Blackburn’s best players.

It follows reports over the weekend that Manchester City are lining up a bid to take goalkeeper Brad Friedel to Eastlands.

City boss Mark Hughes is a big admirer of the veteran American, and was never shy of lauding him during his time at Ewood Park.

It has been reported that Hughes is now eyeing up the 37-year-old, as a rival to current City number one Joe Hart.

“What we want to do is support our manager in keeping his best players,” said Williams.