MAGPIES DUO PLEAD TO KEEP LEE

Lee stunned the club by handing in a transfer request after the club refused to discuss an extension to his current contract, which expires at the end of the season, until January.

Now Elliott and Shearer want to the club to change their minds on talking over a new deal with Lee, who has been instrumental in The Magpies` encouraging start to the season.

Elliott insists that every one of his team-mates are keen to keep the former Charlton Athletic star at the club.

"If it was up to the lads in the dressing room, Rob would be getting another five-year contract," said Elliott.

"But I think it has gone too far for him to be talked out of leaving now. I have known Rob since the first day he came to the club and this is a very disappointing situation he is in. He is in dispute but to hand in a transfer request like that is not in his character.

"Everyone is disappointed because Rob always gives everything to the club."

Shearer, who is also a close personal friend of the midfielder, is a big admirer of Lee and he hopes that the club can get him to stay.

"Rob is a great player," said Shearer. "The best at the club at doing what he does. I hope we can keep him, I really do, but it doesn't look good."

Shearer also praised Lee for his attitude in the performance in Saturday's win over Bolton in difficult personal circumstances.

"Considering what he has been through in the last 24 hours and what is in his head to put on a performance like that at Bolton deserves a lot of credit."

Lee is still angry at how he has been treated and that it has left him with no choice but to leave although he will give his best while he is still there.

"It goes without saying that I will always give my all every time I put on the black and white shirt," said Lee. "I don't want to leave St James' Park but I have been pushed into a corner.

"The chairman (Freddy Shepherd) said I was playing as well as any player in The Premiership and the manager (Bobby Robson) says it just about every week.

"If they are not prepared to give me a contract why do they not let me leave on a free transfer after the service I have given the club?

"This is unacceptable and no good at all for me. I asked to be allowed to go because surely they don't want to keep a player who is unhappy."