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

The 22-year-old has been the subject of transfer rumours linking him with a move to both Liverpool and Aston Villa in recent weeks.

He signed a four-year contract last summer and Magpies boss Kevin Keegan has spoken of his admiration for him, but it appears the England Under-21 international has his sights set on a move elsewhere.

A statement on the club's website read: "Newcastle can confirm that it has received a written transfer request from James Milner.

"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.

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