Duff: It's right decision

Damien Duff today became the latest recruit to Roman Abramovich's revolution when he completed his £17million move to Chelsea.

The Republic of Ireland star will be joined at Stamford Bridge by Wayne Bridge, whose £7m switch from Southampton was completed today.

Duff flew to London this morning to finalise a five-year deal that will cost Chelsea a total of £35m in transfer fee and wages. After a successful medical at the weekend, the former Blackburn winger has now agreed a £70,000-a-week salary.

"Damien is in London to sign the contract," said a source close to the player.

"He made the decision over the weekend and he is convinced this is the right move for him. Damien knows from talking to Claudio Ranieri that this is a club on the up. He wants to win trophies and play in the Champions League and he's convinced that Chelsea's ambitions match his own."

Duff's agent Pat Devlin believes Abramovich has picked up a bargain. He said: "I am naturally biased in this but I believe Damien is going to be a massive hit.

"Damien is a great player and a smashing kid. He will soon show people why the biggest clubs in the world were after him."

Manchester United have denied reports they made a late bid to hijack the deal after their failure to land Barcelona-bound Ronaldinho. Chief executive Peter Kenyon said: "We are not in for Duff. There has been no approach to the club and no approach to the player and there won't be."