Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is hopeful of snatching Chelsea winger Damien Duff from under the noses of Premiership rivals Tottenham.

Both Newcastle and Chelsea are refusing to comment publicly, but it is understood an approach has been made and Shepherd is confident a £10million deal can be struck.

That would provide a huge boost for manager Glenn Roeder, whose efforts to land his summer transfer targets have so far come to nothing.

And it is a move which would excite the club's fans, who have seen skipper Alan Shearer retire and £17million striker Michael Owen head off for another long spell in the treatment room.

Reports from the capital last week suggested the Republic of Ireland international was heading for White Hart Lane.

But Newcastle could never be accused of lacking ambition, and have put themselves in the driving seat for a deal they will hope will spark a rash of signings.

Duff cost Chelsea £17million when he left Blackburn for Stamford Bridge three summers ago.

His talent is without question and international colleagues Shay Given and Stephen Carr will provide the chairman and manager with glowing reports.