Ince snubs defender offers

Updated 15.46 Fri Jul 18 2008
Keywords: Andre Ooijer, Stephen Warnock, Blackburn Rovers, Paul Ince

New Blackburn manager Paul Ince has rejected offers from Newcastle and Panathinaikos for defensive duo Stephen Warnock and Andre Ooijer.

Blackburn chairman John Williams said: "We have had a bid of £2 million for Warnock, which was rejected."

Ince is looking for fresh faces at Ewood Park but, as the transfer market hots up, he has poured cold water on clubs circling Warnock, who only joined Rovers from Liverpool 18 months ago, and Dutch international Ooijer.

He added: "We have received a bid from Panathinaikos but I have made it clear Andre is not for sale."

With the futures of Brad Friedel and David Bentley also uncertain, Ince's squad is facing attack from all directions.

However, Williams is making it clear Blackburn are in the market for new players as well as fighting off interest in the ones they already have.

He added: "We are making progress with an international midfielder. We have had a number of discussions but there is still some work to do."

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