Tugay denies comment on Rovers 'disharmony'

The Blackburn Rovers midfielder Tugay Kerimoglu took to the club's website yesterday to insist that he has no intention of leaving the club - after reportedly telling Turkish television that a move to Besiktas would suit him down to the ground.

The Blackburn Rovers midfielder Tugay Kerimoglu took to the club's website yesterday to insist that he has no intention of leaving the club - after reportedly telling Turkish television that a move to Besiktas would suit him down to the ground.

Following speculation that the Istanbul club want to sign him when the transfer window opens in January, the Lig TV football channel asked him about his intentions.

"If an offer comes, then why not?" the 34-year-old was reported as saying. "Nobody wants to play football any more [at Blackburn]. The manager [Graeme Souness] left and that's how it is now. Now, I'm looking for new alternatives.

"Receiving an offer from Besiktas would be a source of pride but there is no offer at the moment. If there is an offer and I agree with my club, I would gladly play."

In a statement on Blackburn's website, however, the 34-year-old said: "I have been associated with various comments suggesting that there is disharmony at Blackburn. I would like to make it clear that I have made no such comments and, to the contrary, I am enjoying playing at Rovers more than ever.

"I wish to support Mark Hughes and the new management team in ensuring that we go from strength to strength."

The Turkey international was sent off against Middlesbrough last weekend and his side went on to lose 4-0. Rovers have not won in four games since beating Portsmouth in Hughes' opening game in charge at the club.

Elsewhere, the Ipswich Town striker Dean Bowditch has dismissed speculation linking him with a big-money move to the Premiership when the transfer window reopens in January.

The 18-year-old said yesterday that he will not be going anywhere, despite reports that Liverpool have been monitoring his progress and are planning to make their move in three months' time.

"I really can't see me leaving here and if I do go it will be a few years yet," Bowditch said. "I like it here and enjoy it here. More than anything, I want to be here. I am just like every other player. I want to play at the highest level and if I do it with Ipswich, so much the better."