Anthony Gerrard has handed in a written transfer request at League One side Walsall.
Defender wants to play at a higher level
Anthony Gerrard has handed in a written transfer request at League One side Walsall.
The popular defender has been named the Saddlers' player of the year twice in the last three seasons, but feels the club cannot fulfil his ambitions.
He is keen to play at the highest possible level and all Premier League, Championship and SPL sides have been informed of his availability.
It remains to be seen whether he will be lining up against cousin Steven any time soon, but Walsall chairman Jeff Bonser insists the 22-year-old will not be allowed to leave on the cheap.
"Let me assure supporters that, as Anthony Gerrard is under contract until the end of the 2009/10 season, unless a substantial offer is received from a Championship or Premier League club, he will not be sold," the Saddlers supremo told the
Birmingham Mail.
Rumours abound last week that Birmingham were interested in signing Gerrard, a situation later denied by both clubs.
Unsettling
However, Bonser did confirm that a Championship side have made an approach.
He said: "This seems to be a trait of the modern game. Players' agents are pro-active in trying to broker transfer deals. This is how they make their money.
"Quite clearly Anthony Gerrard's representative has been actively trying to stimulate the interest of other clubs regarding the transfer of the player.
"Only last week we turned down an offer from a Championship club for him.
"However, such behind-the-scenes activity is bound to have an unsettling effect on the player and this, it seems, has led to Anthony Gerrard handing in a written transfer request.
"Our policy has always been not to keep players who do not want to play for Walsall Football Club. This is the stance in this case."
