Aston Villa defender Alpay has submitted a transfer request after talks with the club failed to persuade him to stay.
The Turkish international has been strongly linked with a move away from Villa Park after an impressive World Cup campaign. Leeds, who are looking to replace the departed Rio Ferdinand, are believed to be monitoring the situation.
The 28-year-old held talks with Villa boss Graham Taylor earlier today but emerged from the meeting disappointed and asked to be transfer-listed.
‘Over the last 10 days I have been having meetings about my future and I met with the club again on Monday afternoon,” Alpay told the Express and Star newspaper.
“The outcome of that meeting was disappointing. It would be bad for me to be playing football here while I am unhappy.
“Bad for me, bad for my friends at the club and bad for everyone.
“The great sadness for me would be to lose the Villa supporters because I have never known support like this before,’ he added.
“They have been wonderful.”
Premiership rivals Leeds and Bundesliga side Borrusia Dortmund are reportedly leading the chase for Alpay’s signature.