Ellis urges McGrath to stay

PAUL MCGRATH has slapped in a written transfer request - but has been urged by Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis to stay and fight to regain his place.

McGrath made his demand for a move during a turbulent weekend which saw him re affirm his desire to leave Villa in an outspoken attack on Ellis and manager Brian Little.

But Ellis said: "I think the world of Paul McGrath and don't want him to leave. I would just simply ask him to be patient and work hard to get back into the side, that's all."

McGrath, 36, is desperate for first team football after being frozen out by the Gareth Southgate Ugo Ehiogu Steve Staunton partnership this season and has lost his place in the Republic of Ireland squad.

But Villa will be looking for a £200,000 fee if they eventually allow him to leave to cover his summer signing on lump sum and subsequent wages.

Ellis said: "Three months ago, Paul was a free agent. To my knowledge no clubs came in for him. We offered him a further one year deal. That carried a substantial signing on fee as well as a good wage.

"The £200,000 would cover that - but I don't think that Aston Villa have treated him unfairly.

"As regards wanting to play first team football, Paul was told by the manager that he couldn't be guaranteed a first team place. That was the situation - and Paul knows it."

It remains to be seen whether Little will agree to McGrath's transfer request when he returns to his desk today but the rift between the two parties may be too great to heal.

If that is the case, it will be an unfortunate end to the Villa career of the player who has been a hero among the supporters since signing from Manchester United for £450,000 in the summer of 1989. Since then he has won the club's player of the year award on four occasions.

. Stoke have signed Middlesbrough's Republic of Ireland Under 21 international Graham Kavanagh after an impressive loan period with the club. They will make a down payment of £250,000 with a further payment of £250,000 if the 22 year old midfielder makes 50 first team appearances.