Vurnon Anita hands in transfer request?

Ajax midfielder Vurnon Anita has reportedly handed in a transfer request.

The 23-year-old Dutch international has been persistently linked with a move to Newcastle United this summer.

Newcastle had an initial bid for the player turned down last month and Ajax are believed to be holding out for a fee of £8m.

Anita held talks with Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars earlier today and, despite the club's attempts to persuade him to stay, the player informed Overmars that he wishes to leave the Amsterdam ArenA this summer, according to Sky Sports News.

There are 23 months remaining on Anita's current Ajax contract.