FORMER Chelsea star Jody Morris has slammed suggestions that he priced himself out of a move to Blackburn Rovers.

Ewood chief Graeme Souness held talks with the player about a possible move to Ewood Park once it became clear that he wouldn't be staying at Stamford Bridge.

But a proposed move subsequently collapsed after Souness had a change of heart, leading to claims that Morris was being too greedy in regard to his personal demands.

However, the 24-year-old midfielder has hit back at the stories and insists he just wants to join a club who can offer him regular first team football.

"Whoever I sign for it won't be based on money, but on football," said Morris.

"I've read I'm greedy this and greedy that and it's time I defended myself because that's absolute rubbish.

"I want to play football, pure and simple, but people just jump on the Jody Morris bandwagon whenever they hear my name.

"The reason I left Chelsea had nothing to do with money. They made me a very good offer to stay, but my mind was made up.

"I want to play week in, week out and I clearly wasn't in Claudio Ranieri's first choice line-up. I respect his decision and he respects mine."