Two Premiership clubs have approached Leeds United about transfer-listed Lee Bowyer.
It is understood that two teams, as yet unidentified, have expressed 'strong interest' in the 24-year-old, despite the view at some clubs that signing the player would go down badly within the ethnic contingents of their fan bases.
Bowyer was put on the transfer-list on Tuesday after refusing to pay a club fine of four weeks' wages - believed to be £64,000 - for being drunk on the night Asian student Sarfraz Najeib was attacked in January of last year.
The former Charlton star rejected the club's sanctions as a matter of principle, but stressed that he did not wish to quit Elland Road. However, it is understood his luxury home at Linton, near Wetherby, is already for sale.
Chairman Peter Ridsdale said: "I've had two phone calls from representatives from Premiership clubs enquiring what the position is but I have had no formal offers.
"At no stage have I tried to drive Lee away from the club. If he accepts the disciplinary action he can remain a Leeds player, if he doesn't he will be transferred. The position has not changed.
"I've spoken to his agent on numerous occasions over the last 24 hours, I spoke to Lee three times personally yesterday and again on the training ground today.
"I sincerely believe that at some point over the next 48 hours Lee will acknowledge that it is right and proper for the club to take disciplinary action for the fact that on that night in January 2000 he was, by his own admission, under the influence of alcohol, which is against the club's code of conduct."
If Bowyer were to leave, however, he would be entitled to five per cent of an estimated £15million transfer fee because he did not ask for a transfer.
That could total £750,000 and, since he could also expect a signing-on fee, he would then be in the position to pay off the estimated £1million legal bill he has landed for the two criminal trials at Hull Crown Court.
Meanwhile, Leeds supporters are expected to vote overwhelmingly in favour of Bowyer at tonight's Premiership match against Everton at Elland Road.
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All I can say is that I hope that Utd dont get him to back up becks..
It is understood that two teams, as yet unidentified, have expressed 'strong interest' in the 24-year-old, despite the view at some clubs that signing the player would go down badly within the ethnic contingents of their fan bases.
Bowyer was put on the transfer-list on Tuesday after refusing to pay a club fine of four weeks' wages - believed to be £64,000 - for being drunk on the night Asian student Sarfraz Najeib was attacked in January of last year.
The former Charlton star rejected the club's sanctions as a matter of principle, but stressed that he did not wish to quit Elland Road. However, it is understood his luxury home at Linton, near Wetherby, is already for sale.
Chairman Peter Ridsdale said: "I've had two phone calls from representatives from Premiership clubs enquiring what the position is but I have had no formal offers.
"At no stage have I tried to drive Lee away from the club. If he accepts the disciplinary action he can remain a Leeds player, if he doesn't he will be transferred. The position has not changed.
"I've spoken to his agent on numerous occasions over the last 24 hours, I spoke to Lee three times personally yesterday and again on the training ground today.
"I sincerely believe that at some point over the next 48 hours Lee will acknowledge that it is right and proper for the club to take disciplinary action for the fact that on that night in January 2000 he was, by his own admission, under the influence of alcohol, which is against the club's code of conduct."
If Bowyer were to leave, however, he would be entitled to five per cent of an estimated £15million transfer fee because he did not ask for a transfer.
That could total £750,000 and, since he could also expect a signing-on fee, he would then be in the position to pay off the estimated £1million legal bill he has landed for the two criminal trials at Hull Crown Court.
Meanwhile, Leeds supporters are expected to vote overwhelmingly in favour of Bowyer at tonight's Premiership match against Everton at Elland Road.
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All I can say is that I hope that Utd dont get him to back up becks..