Newcastle United have confirmed that James Milner has handed in a transfer request.

The club have expressed its disappointment at the 22-year-old's decision, adding that although the midfielder was keen on a move they had yet to receive an offer that matched their valuation of the player.

Milner, who signed a four-year contract last summer, has reportedly been the subject of enquiries from both Liverpool and Aston Villa in recent weeks

"Newcastle can confirm that it has received a written transfer request from James Milner," a club statement read. "The club is very disappointed that James sees his footballing future as away from St James' Park. He is a valued member of the squad and it is only a year ago that he signed an improved long-term contract.

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"We have yet to receive an offer for James that has matched our valuation of him.

"However, should such an offer be received then the club will be reluctantly forced to consider it, given James' apparent desire to leave."

Newspaper reports have suggested Martin O'Neill is ready to make a £9 million offer for the player, although Rafael Benitez is also keen on the player.

Milner has played in all three of Newcastle's games this season and scored in the 3-2 win over Coventry City in the Carling Cup second round last night. He signed from Leeds, where he made his debut at 16, for £3.6m in 2004.