Newcastle winger Milner hands in transfer request

Newcastle winger James Milner handed in a transfer request on Wednesday, according to a statement on the Premier League club’s website.

Milner, 22, has been attracting interest from Liverpool and Aston Villa and his decision to ask to leave St James’ Park could signal a bid from either club.

The England Under-21 international, who scored in Tuesday’s League Cup win at Coventry, only signed a four-year contract last year and has been a regular in Kevin Keegan’s side.

Newcastle are determined not to let Milner leave on the cheap and will hold out for their valuation of the player.

“Newcastle can confirm that it has received a written transfer request from James Milner,” the statement read.

“The club is very disappointed that James sees his footballing future as away from St James’ Park. He is a valued member of the squad and it is only a year ago that he signed an improved long-term contract.

“We have yet to receive an offer for James that has matched our valuation of him.”