Last Updated: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:30
Blackburn have rejected two bids for goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who has asked to leave, chairman John Williams has confirmed.
The giant American has stunned Rovers officials by asking to end his long association with the club, with Aston Villa and Manchester City heavily linked since the end of last season.
Williams assured Blackburn fans he would fight tooth and nail to keep Friedel at Ewood Park but then added he could go if the offer meets his club's valuation.
"We've had two bids for Brad, despite my insistence to the clubs concerned we didn't want them. They've been rejected," Williams told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.
"When Brad told us he wanted to leave, it was a bolt out of the blue - he had only signed his latest contract back in February, and a replacement keeper has not even been on our radar.
"It's an unwelcome situation for us, and particularly for Paul [Ince], who has been concentrating on other targets, as well as assessing our squad and bedding in his new backroom staff.
"We are very keen for Brad to stay but to deny him the move he clearly wants after a lengthy stint with the club is difficult.
"We know we have good players and are constantly rejecting unwanted overtures, but it's particularly difficult to accept players leaving for clubs in and around us in the league.
"We have told Brad that, in any event, we cannot even consider a move for him, unless we can satisfy both our football and commercial requirements."