Shane Duffy.
Derry defender Shane Duffy is set to leave Everton for Blackburn Rovers in a deal reported to be in the region of £1.5 million.
The Republic of Ireland international spent last term on loan at Yeovil Town, and was hoping to use pre-season as a chance to figure in Roberto Martinez’s plans for the current Premier League campaign.
But with skipper Phil Jagielka and his fellow England rising star John Stones ahead of him in the pecking order, the Blues have allowed the centre back to pursue first-team football in the Championship.
Duffy is one of three Derry men named by Martin O’Neill in his provisional 36-man Republic of Ireland squad for next month’s opening European Championship qualifier against Georgia.
Wigan Athletic’s James McClean and Everton’s Darron Gibson have also been included in the squad.
Also included are former Derry City players David Forde, now with Millwall, and Ipswich Town striker Conor Sammon.
Everton’s Seamus Coleman, from Donegal, has also been included.
The squad for the game in Tbilisi will be reduced following a friendly game with Oman on 3 September.
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