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Australian national team defender Lucas Neill has announced that he wants to leave his current club.
The 28-year-old player, who is of interest to Tottenham Hotspur, has a valid one-year contract with Blackburn Rovers, but has refused to sign a new proposed deal.
"They offered a deal which L. Neill turned down - he is not planning to sign a new contract with Blackburn," said the player's agent, Peter Harrison. "He has enjoyed his time here, he loves the club and the fans, but he feels it's time for a change."
Tottenham now will focus all their attention on the Australian, as they failed to lure Wigan Athletic defender Pascal Chimbonda to the club and their offer was rejected.
Blackburn are more willing to listen to offers for a player who impressed many at this year's World Cup, rather than let him leave for nothing after a year.
"If he stays, he stays, but it won't be for money," said P. Harrison to Sky Sports News. "There will probably be negotiations before the end of August, but if he decides to stay, he won't pay attention to any talks, and as always, he will continue to do his best playing for the Blackburn team."
L. Neill, who was acquired from Millwall for £1 million in 2001, has played over 150 matches for the Blackburn team.
His Australian national team mate Brett Emerton also has a one-year contract with Blackburn and has not yet signed a new one.
