Yakubu 'has not asked for move'

By John May

Yakubu has three years left on his current Boro deal

Middlesbrough striker Yakubu has not submitted a request for a transfer, BBC Sport understands.

Reports suggested the Nigerian had rocked Boro days before the Premier League kick-off by demanding talks with manager Gareth Southgate over a move.

But sources close to the 24-year-old have categorically denied that he has submitted a written request to leave.

Everton are believed to have tabled a £10m bid for the player, which was rejected by Boro chairman Steve Gibson.

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Boro paid Portsmouth £7.5m for Yakubu in 2005 and he forged a potent partnership with Mark Viduka.

Viduka's summer departure for Newcastle has made Boro more determined to hold on to Yakubu.

According to reports, Yakubu - who has three years left to run on his contract - held a recent meeting with boss Southgate where the forward indicated his willingness to stay on Teesside.

606: DEBATE Has anyone confirmed these reports of a transfer request? DS1504

Reports had suggested that Yakubu had been told in no uncertain terms that he was not for sale and was not leaving.