'David would like to return to Leeds' - Hayden Evans talks to Radio 5 Live

The England midfielder submitted his request to manager Ruud Gullit on Friday morning, as Leeds prepared to make their move.

On a day of intense speculation, Newcastle manager Ruud Gullit admitted Batty's days at St James' Park were numbered.

"David Batty has asked for a transfer," he said. "I knew that it was in the air before I came here."

Gullit confirmed there had been talks with Leeds, but added: "I have not accepted an offer."

Batty has recently lost his place in the Magpies' line-up, but his agent Hayden Evans dismissed reports that there had been a breakdown in relations with the manager.

"We deny that David has had any fall-out with Ruud Gullit," Evans said.

"We can confirm that initial discussions have been held this week regarding David's future at Newcastle United.

"For Ruud Gullit to say at a press conference that a move is imminent, then that is fine by me."

Evans said Batty was keen to go back to Elland Road, where he spent six seasons before moving to Blackburn in 1993.

"David has played the best football of his career at Newcastle and he is a much improved player than when he was at Leeds," Evans said.

"He didn't want to leave Leeds in the first place, but it has worked for the best.

"He has always said he wanted to return to Leeds. But he didn't want to go back as a 33-year-old taking a pay-day - it had to be at a time when he could contribute in a big way."

Ridsdale wrangles over Radebe

Spurs are reported to be interested in signing Radebe

Leeds are keen to hang onto their highly-rated South African international Radebe - but he has yet to commit himself to the club.

The Leeds captain has been linked with a move to Tottenham, who are managed by his former manager George Graham.

The player's adviser Gary Blumberg met Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale and managing director Jeremy Fenn for discussions that lasted most of Thursday evening.

Blumberg said: "It is going okay. We are getting there. The talks are part of an on-going process.