Ricardo Vaz Te hands in transfer request

West Ham United winger Ricardo Vaz Te has handed in a transfer request at the Hammers.

The former Bolton man has been linked with a move away from Upton Park throughout the summer, and he has indicated to the club that he wishes to leave Upton Park.

In a statement released to Sky Sports News, the 26-year-old said: "In my 10 years as a professional football player, I have never submitted a transfer request nor issued a statement. However, I am frustrated at West Ham United Football Club.

"Last season, I was asked to change positions for the benefit of the team even though I had just scored 24 goals. The main objective was to finish top 10 in the Premier League and I followed my instructions to the best of my ability as the club always comes first.

"As a result, even though I was injured for three months, no other player made more assists than me and no other winger scored more goals than me. In addition, since I joined this football club on January 31, 2012, no other player has scored more goals than me in all official competitions to date.

"Statistics are evident to all, despite this, it has been made obvious to myself and my representatives that I am not in the manager's plans. Therefore, it is with a heavy heart that I submit a transfer request and look to join a club where my approach to the game will be appreciated."

Vaz Te has netted a total of 16 goals in 48 appearances for West Ham.