Leon Clarke hands in transfer request

Coventry City have received a formal transfer request from leading scorer Leon Clarke.

The 28-year-old, who joined the League One side on a two-and-half-year contract last January, has netted 15 times in the league this season.

His club, however, have insisted that they will not be forced into selling the forward for less than his transfer value.

Development director Steve Waggott told reporters: "I have this morning received a formal transfer request from Leon Clarke. There had been indications over the weekend that this would happen but I was only formally notified this morning after he arrived at the training ground.

"Of course, it's deeply disappointing when a player expresses a desire to leave the club in this way - especially when he has become such a firm favourite with supporters because of performances over the past 12 months.

"That said, when he still has a year-and-a-half left on his contract, we are in a position where we will only let him leave if the deal is right for Coventry City football club. That means securing the kind of deal that will allow Steven Pressley to strengthen his squad should Leon go."

Clarke has had six permanent clubs during a well-travelled career in addition to a number of loan moves.