Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has spoken to Damien Duff about the possibility of the Republic of Ireland winger leaving Stamford Bridge.
The former Blackburn winger is thought to be close to a move to Tottenham.
Mourinho said: “I have an open relationship with Duff and we have talked about all possibilities.
“He’s a player I’m happy to keep, not desperate to keep. I like Damien Duff as a player and a person. I understand what is going through his mind.”
Mourinho has admitted that he is looking for a replacement for left-back Asier del Horno, who is expected to return to Spain, but would not reveal whether Arsenal left-back Ashley Cole was a potential target.
“Ashley is an Arsenal player so I’m not going to say anything. We have Wayne Bridge back from Fulham and he is a player that we trust,” he said.
“We will see what happens with Asier del Horno and if we sell him there will be space to buy a new player.
“Ashley Cole is a good player but we’ve been connected with every left-back in Europe.”
