VILLA HIT WITH DOUBLE TRANSFER REQUEST
The request from Southgate will come as a massive shock to the Midlands club, who were faxed by the England international with his request, after he spoke with manager John Gregory on Wednesday.
Southgate, 30 in November, is likely to be valued at £6 million and this will alert a number of clubs to his availability with Chelsea and Arsenal likely to lead the chase for the former Crystal Palace defender, although Leeds and Manchester United could also join the hunt.
"This is something that has been going on through my mind for the last few months," said Southgate. "It's not a decision that has been easy, but my mind is made up. I have given everything to Villa over the last five years.
"But if I am to achieve what I want to achieve in my career it is time to move on, I want to play in the biggest games possible and challenge for the championship.
"I have had only two clubs in my career, but there comes a time when it is best to move on and I came to the same decision at Crystal Palace. It is better for me to be up front, my mind will will be focused on England in the coming weeks and everything else will be put on a back burner.
"I have looked at all aspects of my position with Villa and perhaps the fans will be disappointed, but players come and go and are always replaced - the club will go on."
Joachim, 25, arrived at Villa Park in 1996 from Leicester, and he is unhappy that the club are unwilling to improve his current deal which has two years left to run.
"I feel very badly let down," said Joachim. "We reached a gentleman's agreement when I signed that my terms would be improved if I did the business."
"I lived up to my side of the bargain, with supporters making me Player of the Year the season before last.
"It's very frustrating for me and I feel I have to do something about it. I'm even prepared to drop into the First Division if needs be. I just want away."
The news of the two requests come just over a week after Ugo Ehiogu also stated that he wants to leave, and the growing discontent within the Villa squad is sure to set alarm bells ringing within the Midlands.
