Schwarzer hands in transfer request at Fulham

Fulham’s Australian international goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on Friday handed in a transfer request as he stepped up his bid to be allowed to join Arsenal.

Schwarzer’s impressive performances last season, when the unfashionable London side reached the Europa League final, brought him to the attention of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who had a two million pound bid rejected in May.

“My understanding is that he has handed in a transfer request,” said Fulham boss Mark Hughes.

“He has indicated that he would like the opportunity to leave. Obviously we haven’t encouraged Arsenal to come back to the table because they haven’t been back since May.

“If they do come back and talk to me or my chief executive, then further conversations will be had but at the moment there is no point because we are not talking to anybody because they have not come back to us.”

Schwarzer is keen for a taste of Champions League football before the end of his career, which has led him to hand in the request.

But Hughes has warned the Australian that he would not necessarily be guaranteed first-team football at the Emirates

“Sometimes it is not always greener on the other side,” Hughes said.

“I understand that at certain times of their careers players feel that when an opportunity presents itself, they feel they have to consider it very carefully.

“I think that is the case with Mark so I fully understand where he is coming from in that respect.”

When asked about the prospect of offering Schwarzer a new contract, Hughes said: “I am sure that is something that will be discussed. I haven’t been part of that process.

“We certainly don’t want Mark to leave. We want him to be happy here. We will try and ensure he will be.”