The club can confirm that it has today reluctantly given Danny permission to speak to Sunderland in respect of a transfer.

We have rejected two transfer offers from Sunderland since their interest became apparent in the Summer. It was made clear to Danny that we very much wanted him to stay and he was made two new contract offers, the last one being a new four-year contract.

Danny has now submitted a written transfer request and has stated that he no longer feels he can be committed to the club. As a result of this, the club has this morning given the player permission to speak to Sunderland following receipt of a third offer from Sunderland. This offer amounts to a guaranteed £2.5million, along with an additional possible further £0.5million dependant on both Sunderland's and Danny's performance.

We are hugely disappointed to lose Danny, however, it is difficult to keep a player who no longer wants to play for you.

The full transfer fee received will be available to Tony to strengthen the squad and everyone is working incredibly hard to get good players, who will improve us, in by Friday.

Peter Coates, Chairman