Football: Lee asks for fair treatment

Damian Spellman
Tuesday 16 March 1999 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

ROB LEE has asked Newcastle to set a fair price if they intend selling him. The 33-year-old England midfielder has made just one start since Boxing Day through a combination of injury and the form of the German Dietmar Hamann and the rejuvenated Welsh international Gary Speed in central midfield.

Newcastle would probably want pounds 2m for the veteran and Lee hopes the high price will not deter interested clubs. "Players don't have a say in how much they are worth, but if the club is looking to sell me, I would hope they would set a fair price," he said.

With the loss of the captaincy to Alan Shearer, Lee admits that the writing is on the wall. That message was driven home to him when he appeared as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 home defeat by Manchester United last weekend.

"Dietmar and Gary have done very well lately, but that doesn't stop me being a good player," he said. "When I came on the other day, we just seemed to get in each other's way. I can't really envisage the three of us playing together unless we played with wing-backs.

"My problems started with that Achilles injury. I've had the longest spell of my career on the sidelines, but I still feel I'm one of the best players at this club and have a lot to offer."

Lee joined United from his only other club, Charlton, for what proved to be a bargain pounds 700,000 in September 1992, first playing wide on the right before moving into the middle to establish his partnership with David Batty.

A number of clubs have been linked with Lee, although he has spoken to none. The fee could be a problem but he is not getting involved in any negotiations.

Arsene Wenger has added another prodigy to Arsenal's growing teenage ranks. The latest arrival is German youth international Moritz Volz, signed from Schalke 04 in a deal reported to be worth pounds 150,000-a-year to Germany's former under-15 captain from the start of next season.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in