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BORO'S chances of signing George Friend have been boosted by Doncaster's reluctant confirmation that they will off-load their top earners.

Rovers co-owner Dick Watson has revealed that he will listen to offers for any of his playing staff.

The clubs income is expected to drop by as much as 60% next season following relegation from the Championship.

And, despite the departure of several big earners at the end of last season, Doncasters wage bill remains unsustainable.

Our business plan calls for some of the players on the biggest wages to move on and be replaced by others, Watson told the Doncaster Free Press.

Manager Dean Saunders echoed Watsons sentiments, saying: Something has to give and, to get the budget down, players will be leaving.

Friend joined Rovers two years ago after being released by Wolves and penned a new deal last summer which tied him to the club until June 2013.

The 24-year-old can play at left-back, in the centre of defence and, when required, as a holding midfielder.

Mowbray wont want to pay over the odds for Friend and has other full-backs on his list of potential signings.

But he is keen to provide cover for Joe Bennett, particularly with Justin Hoyte, who deputised several times last season, out of contract at the end of the month.

Meanwhile Stephen McManus expected move to Bristol City may not be a certainty after all.

Reports have suggested that Richard Keogh, and not McManus, is the first choice defender on Ashton Gate boss Derek McInnes summer shopping list.