Post by Taxigirl on Jan 13, 2004 9:41:06 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/shared/bsp/hi/football/statistics/teams/m/man_utd/players/15753/html/profile1_hi.stm
Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has put in a transfer request in a bid to find regular first-team football.
The 28-year-old England star has over two years left on his contract but now seems likely to leave Old Trafford.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson told The Sun: "Nicky Butt has asked to leave. It is a very sad situation.
"With Phil Neville, and the emergence of Darren Fletcher and Kleberson, it has made it difficult to get in the first team so he has asked to leave."
Tottenham and Middlesbrough have both expressed interest in Butt, who could cost in the region of £5m.
THFC are thought to be looking for a combative midfielder while Boro boss Steve McClaren worked closely with the player during his own time at United.
Hailed as one of the stars of England's 2002 World Cup campaign by Pele, Butt was a key figure for United last season, returning from an ankle injury to help Ferguson's team to the title.
But following an operation on that troublesome ankle in the summer, this campaign has seen him start only 11 of United's 31 competitive matches.