Hughes rejects Roberts' request

Rovers boss wants to keep striker

Last updated: 14th December 2007

roberts jason blackburn

Roberts: Frustrated

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Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes has confirmed he has turned down a transfer request from Jason Roberts.

The striker is frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities at Ewood Park this season, having started just once in the Premier League.

Derby County, Fulham and Sunderland have all been linked with a £3million bid for Roberts when the transfer window reopens.

Rovers chairman John Williams revealed on Thursday that he was 'not aware' of any interest in the forward and expected him to stay.

And now Hughes has admitted that he wants to keep Roberts, despite the player's desire to move on in the New Year.

"Jason has handed in a transfer request," said Hughes in The Sun.

"But I've told the board that I'm not looking to let anyone go in January because that would only weaken us as a squad.

"Jason is frustrated at his lack of opportunities, but I don't want him to go and the board has always backed me in these situations in the past."