Chelsea give up on Veron

Chelsea were today understood to have ended their interest in Manchester United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron.

The club had enquired about the Argentine, but Standard Sport understands they have been put off by his excessive wage demands.

Veron's advisers were thought to be asking for a minimum salary of £90,000 a week.

The 28-year-old is today expected to be included in United's squad for their pre-season tour of America.

Today's development contrasts with Damien Duff's decision to pull out of Blackburn's trip to the USA in order to begin talks with Chelsea.

The £17 million deal still requires the Republic of Ireland winger to agree personal terms and Blackburn manager Graeme Souness today admitted he hopes the move collapses.

Souness said: "Chelsea have offered a great deal of money for him and he's now talking to them.

"We hope that they can't come to an agreement and he'll be flying out here to America - but we'll have to wait and see."

After rejecting a series of bids from Chelsea, Blackburn yesterday accepted a £17m-plus cash offer for the 24-year-old.

Duff had been set to fly to a training camp in Washington with the rest of his team-mates when the call came from Stamford Bridge. He was in London today for contract talks with Chelsea chief executive Trevor Birch.

Souness added: "When we arrived at the airport yesterday morning and checked in, Damien checked his bags through.

"Unfortunately for us, Chelsea have made an offer which triggers the clause in his contract that enables him to speak to them.

"It's going to be a difficult decision for Damien and I can understand it if he chooses to go to Chelsea because right now they are the big team in the world in terms of spending money.

"I'm sure he'll be offered a great deal of money to go there, but we still hope he'll be with us this year."

Duff can expect to double his £35,000-aweek wages should he decide to join Chelsea.