Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has confirmed that defender Kieran Richardson has stated his desire to leave the club.
Richardson, 27, joined the Wearsiders from Manchester United in 2007 for a fee of £5.5 million but now wants a change of scenery.
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, O'Neill said: "Kieran came to see me in the transfer window and for family issues and what have you, he thought maybe a change would suit him."
O'Neill praised Richardson's performance after Sunderland's 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Saturday - and confirmed the club have not yet received an offer, despite reports that West Ham and QPR were interested in the player.
"It's been ongoing but no-one has come in and made an offer. Naturally, if he plays like that I'd like to keep him," O'Neill said. "On Saturday I thought he was splendid for us."
Elsewhere Sunderland have been linked with a move for full-back Ivan Strinic. Reports at the weekend claimed that the Wearsiders had submitted an offer of £5 million for the 25-year old.
It's believed FC Dnipro would want more that that for the Croatia international, but that a deal could still happen.
