Schwarzer Puts In Transfer Request

Qantas Socceroo keeper Mark Schwarzer has shocked Middlesbrough by handing in a transfer request, which could see him leave the club as early as this month.

Qantas Socceroo keeper Mark Schwarzer has shocked Middlesbrough by handing in a transfer request, which could see him leave the club as early as this month. The decision is somewhat of a surprise given he is first choice and established at Middlesbrough, with the World Cup only five months away. Rumours are already circulating that he is off to Spain, although his agent Barry Silkman has told AAP that his preference is to stay in England. The Daily Mirror newspaper in England reports that Schwarzer sudden decision came about after he learned his was to be benched for the FA Cup Third match against non-league side Nuneaton Borough, ironically for fellow Australian Brad Jones. Boro manager Steve McLaren reluctantly agreed to Schwarzer-s request and is disappointed with his decision to leave. "We are disappointed that Mark has made this decision but respect his feelings," McLaren told the club-s official website. "In the football club's best interests, we have agreed to his transfer request and will listen to any offers we receive." Schwarzer only agreed a new two-year contract with Boro last off-season after a lengthy negotiations, which had him linked to several clubs if he failed to sign a new deal. He has been at the club for nine seasons and is their longest serving player having played 342 games. His agent said the move wasn-t about money, or the club-s recent poor performances, which Schwarzer has taken some flak for and that he wanted a new challenge.