Ipswich Town's £5 million-rated midfielder Kieron Dyer has stunned his team by asking for a transfer.

Dyer, who was yesterday named in the England under-21 squad for the Euro 2000 qualifiers, shocked Town bosses with his demand.

It comes as a complete U-turn to what he said after Ipswich crashed out of the play-offs last week.

Dyer said: "This may come as a bit of a shock to fans after what I said after we went out of the play-offs, but that was my heart talking, not my head.

"I do really love this club and wanted so badly for us to get promoted but the fact is we didn't and I think now is the right time for me to progress my career at a higher level."

Blues boss George Burley said: "I'm disappointed Kieron has asked for a transfer.

"Kieron feels at this time in his career he needs a move to a bigger stage. I'm reluctant to lose a player of Kieron's calibre, but I can understand his position and it has never been our policy to hinder the progress of a young player's career."

Leeds, Newcastle and Arsenal have been linked with Dyer in the past, though a host of Premiership clubs would dearly love to have the 20-year-old but the £5 million price tag may put off many.

Dyer said: "I understand the club will want to get a good transfer fee for me as I'm still contracted to Ipswich for three years.

"I do want everyone to know this is my decision and I don't want the chairman or the gaffer to get a hard time over this.

"I have been here since I was ten years old and I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to progress my football from the youth system to the first team.

"Everyone has been really good to me. I do hope the club can get promotion, they deserve it."

Blues chairman David Sheepshanks said: "This is clearly disappointing, if not entirely unexpected.

"Kieron has three years left on his contract and if he is to move to one of several major clubs rumoured to be interested then the fee will have to be correct for one of England's finest young talents in English football today.

"He is on the verge of the England squad and on the threshold of becoming a world class player.

"Supporters will naturally be concerned. However brilliant Kieron has been for us, Ipswich Town is all about a team and not one individual player.

"What matters is to have a team which can mount an even stronger challenge next season."

Dyer has made 100 starts for Town, scoring ten goals.

Richard Wright was also named in the under-21 squad who face Sweden and Bulgaria next month.

Asking to leave - Kieron Dyer

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