Speculation mounted yesterday that Manchester United are about to make a move for Blackburn Rovers and Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff during the January transfer window period. However, United manager Alex Ferguson declined to comment on transfer rumours yesterday as his side prepared for today's FA Cup, third-round clash with first division leaders Portsmouth at Old Trafford

Blackburn manager Graeme Souness said, however, he would resist any attempt to prise Duff away from Ewood Park. "We signed him (Duff) on a new deal last year, our intention is to keep him and nothing has changed. We have heard nothing from anyone."

Liverpool were interested in signing Duff in the summer but were put off by the £16 million asking price for the 23-year-old. Duff signed a lucrative new deal to stay at Blackburn instead, but with both United and Liverpool looking for reinforcements to try to keep pace with Premiership leaders Arsenal, speculation about the winger has resurfaced.

The Rovers manager is looking to bring in new players of his own and hopes to have sealed a loan deal by next week. Like most managers, Souness has no money to spend on a transfer fee but, claims the recession in football has been talked up by club owners. "Although football is in a difficult period I don't believe it's in as desperate a situation as some people would have you believe. I think it is a wonderful opportunity for the money men in football to refuse their managers money at this time.

"We are not spending money because no-one else is spending money, but certainly in the Premier League the situation is not as desperate as some people would have you believe. Every manager looks to strengthen their squad and although I have a good group of players, I would like to have more quality and more numbers. I don't think anyone in or outside of football would disagree that the fees were too high but it wasn't the players or the managers making those fees so high. Everyone said it couldn't go on and it hasn't gone on. There has been a reality check for everyone and we will see where it takes us."

Duff will miss Blackburn's third-round game at Aston Villa today with a hamstring injury.

Ferguson, meanwhile, talked up the FA Cup at yesterday's press conference. "The FA Cup is a tremendous tournament and it means a lot to me," he said. "You can get caught up in the cup atmosphere very easily and over the years we have been involved in some great ties and scored some great goals.

"When we won it in 1990, the excitement just got bigger as we went along. We played every game away from home and the support we received was fantastic. You don't forget those moments and that is why I hope we can get on a good run this year."

Ferguson is expecting a tough time from Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth. "They will come here buoyed with confidence and bringing 9,000 fans and it is not a game we can take lightly."

Ferguson has injury concerns over Fabien Barthez and John O'Shea, both of whom limped out of Wednesday's last-gasp win over Sunderland, although top scorer Ruud van Nistelrooy should be available. The 18-goal Dutchman has missed United's last two Premiership outings with an infected foot but returned to training yesterday and providing he feels no ill-effects will be handed a starting role, probably at the expense of Diego Forlan.

Spanish goalkeeper Ricardo stands by to replace thigh strain victim Barthez, while Gary Neville will step in for O'Shea if, as expected, the young Irishman does not recover from a calf strain.

However, Ryan Giggs must wait to see if he is handed a recall after being relegated to the bench during the New Year period.

Redknapp wants the FA Cup showdown at Old Trafford to become the inspiration that completes his side's promotion bid. "This is what the big time is all about," said Redknapp. "Manchester United is nice - but we want to get beyond the stage where we treat it as an enjoyable one-off day out. Everyone knows the real priority is to get the club out of this division."

Skipper Paul Merson hopes to play some part at Old Trafford after a substitute appearance at Vicarage Road following an ankle problem. Merson's former Aston Villa team-mate Steve Stone may also return from a hamstring injury.