Hammers snub Defoe request

  • by Graeme Howlett
  • Tuesday, 13th May 2003

West Ham have confirmed that they have turned down young striker Jermain Defoe's transfer request, which was submitted yesterday.

A statement by Hammers MD Paul Aldridge, just released on the club's website read as follows:

"I can confirm we are not accepting Jermain Defoe's request to be put on the transfer list.

"Jermain is a smashing lad from a good family; we have a good relationship with him and them, and it is unfortunate that he has received advice to put in a request at this time.

"That advice has lead to criticism from supporters and work colleagues alike, which I can understand given the timing, and added to the fact that a story linking him to another club was leaked to a newspaper for the morning of one of our most important games for years.

"I would, however, caution our supporters to be patient with Jermain; we do not believe this situation would have arisen if he was still represented by the PFA, rather than the agency SFX to whom he has now moved."

Since Defoe's statement yesterday it has been revealed that his decision to request a move should the Hammers be relegated was made several weeks ago.

The club are thought to have known about the decision and are unlikely to have been surprised by Defoe's request.

We'll have more news on this story as it happens ...

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