Shearer had Duff on the list of players he wanted to keep at St James’s Park when he discussed his permanent appointment with Ashley back in May.
But, along with Habib Beye and Seb Bassong (who Shearer also wanted to keep), that list is getting shorter by the day.
Is Ashley trying to make a point that HE runs the show ... not Shearer ... or is he more interested in off-loading the club’s high earners?
Duff has become utterly disillusioned by the takeover farce and the failure to appoint Shearer as manager.
Duff said his goodbyes at United’s training ground yesterday morning and is expected to complete a £4m move to west London today.