Hughes uneasy about Neill
06 Jan 2007 - 08:42:12
Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes has confirmed that the club have fielded several significant offers for wantaway skipper Lucas Neill.
The 28-year-old Australian defender has rejected the offer of a new contract at Ewood Park and has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Newcastle United.
However, Hughes may yet keep Neill at the club until the summer if he is unable to find a suitable replacement.
He commented: "There's been interest, as I felt there would be when a player of his calibre becomes available.
"We've been offered significant amounts of money, but I can't spend it. At this stage of the season it's very difficult to buy the quality needed to replace Lucas.
"As I've said before it's important we do not become weaker. If that were to happen by Lucas going, then I wouldn't allow it.
"The situations that have been presented to me haven't convinced me we will be stronger if we let him go in this window.
"I'll look at every situation. It's very early in the window and things may develop in the coming days or weeks, but if the situation isn't right then we will wait until the summer."