Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes has warned rival bosses he will not sell Lucas Neill on the cheap - even though he's now resigned to the fact his skipper will leave in the New Year.

Hughes admitted for the first time last night that Neill is almost certain to move on in the transfer window, with Liverpool likely to be the first in the queue for his services.

However, the Rovers chief has told Rafa Benitez - and any other potential suitors - to forget about raiding Ewood for a bargain in the January sales because the defender is only leaving if it's right for the club.

Hughes has tried everything to persuade Neill to sign a new deal, but the Australian international has repeatedly rejected the Welshman's overtures, insisting he wants a new challenge elsewhere.

Now it looks as though he will finally get his wish - but only if Hughes can strike a deal which will see Rovers suitably compensated for the loss of one of their key players.

Ideally, Hughes will look to broker a swap deal and he may yet resurrect his interest in the Liverpool left-back Stephen Warnock.

But if the Rovers boss does not receive what he considers to be a fair offer for Neill in January then he may dig his heels in and make the Aussie stay until the end of the season, when he would then be free to leave for nothing.

A defiant Hughes said: "The board has backed me in as much as if I want to keep Lucas until the end of the season then I will do, irrespective of how much I'm able to get for him in January, and that's still the case.

"If I can get someone in that allows the club, and the team, to remain as strong then letting Lucas go in January - as well as getting some money in - may be the better option for us.

"But I won't let him go unless I feel the club is as strong without him."

Liverpool, Newcastle and Barcelona have already been linked with a January swoop for Neill, and now Aston Villa are thought to have joined the race for the former Millwall man.

Responding to suggestions of a possible swap deal, Hughes said: "There's a number of players that would come into the equation. We are looking at all situations."

Hughes has offered to make Neill one of the most highly paid players in Rovers' history, but he fears even that won't be enough to persuade him to stay.

"I don't think it's really about the money situation, although that is a factor," said the Rovers chief.

"He understands the deal we've put on the table is a very good one and very few clubs would offer him the same.

"I think Lucas thinks he has given good service here and maybe he feels, at this stage in his career, he wants another opportunity elsewhere."

In the meantime, Hughes will continue to pick Neill, despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.

"You don't cut off your nose to spite your face.

"When you have someone of Lucas Neill's ability you don't send him to a corner and not use him because he's too good a player."

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