Former Republic of Ireland international Damien Duff is on the verge of signing for Shamrock Rovers, according to reports in the Irish Independent.
Duff, who spent last season playing with Melbourne City in Australia, confirmed in March that he was planning on returning to Ireland to play in the SSE Airtricity League.
Rovers had cited budgetary restrictions as a potential stumbling block in any deal to bring the 36-year-old to Tallaght Stadium.
Manager Pat Fenlon faced a barrage of questions on Duff at a press conference ahead of Rovers’ Europa League second-leg tie against FC Progres Niedercorn.
“I read a lot in the papers this morning, but I don’t know where it’s come from,” Fenlon said.
“For me today it’s important to make sure that we’re focused on tomorrow.
“Whatever will happen down the road about players will happen. But we need to focus on the game and really, really focus on getting through this round and into the next round.”
However, Fenlon confirmed that he was an admirer of the former Blackburn, Chelsea, Newcastle and Fulham star.
“I said at the time, I think anybody would be interested in a player of that calibre,” the Roves boss added.
“I don’t think we’re any different to three or four other clubs that have probably expressed an interest.”
Duff, capped 100 times for Ireland, has also been linked with St Patrick’s Athletic in recent weeks.
