Jenas reportedly ready to jump ship

Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas is preparing to hand in a transfer request at St James’ Park, according to reports.

The 22-year-old is a cornerstone of the Magpies’ midfield but is said to be unhappy at the club.

Newcastle do not want to sell Jenas, capped as an England international since joining United for £5m (€7.2m) three years ago, and have placed a £20m (€28.7m) value on his head.

However, reports suggest Newcastle will accept a bid of £10m (€14.4m) with Arsenal, Manchester United, Middlesbrough and Tottenham mentioned as potential suitors.

Manager Graeme Souness denied reports there had been a row with the player after he was put on stand-by to play full-back if Stephen Carr failed a fitness test for Wednesday’s Intertoto Cup semi-final against Deportivo La Coruna.

“This is absolute nonsense,” Souness, who has acquired two midfielders in Scott Parker and Turkey international Emre this summer, told the Times.