Newcastle Old Boy Wants Transfer

Sheffield United remain hopeful of keeping him at Bramall Lane despite the winger handing in a transfer request.

Gillespie was sent off for elbowing Stephen Hunt 12 seconds after coming on as a substitute at Reading on Saturday. And it is understood the 31-year-old told his manager after the game he wanted to leave.

Sheff Utd chairman Terry Robinson: "As far as we are concerned, contract negotiations are still ongoing and we want Keith to stay."

He signed for Newcastle in 1995, as part of the deal taking Andy Cole to Manchester United. Some fans still think it was his injury in December 1995 that cost Newcastle the title that 1995/96 season. It was ironic the long-term injury was picked up at Old Trafford ... and it was Manchester United who pipped Newcastle to the Premiership title.

He joined Blackburn Rovers in 1998.