SAINTS manager George Burley has revealed that Chris Baird's shock transfer request was sparked by a "ridiculous" £1m bid for his services last week.

The 25-year-old Northern Ireland international defender, who was voted player of the season, handed in his request late on Wednesday - much to his manager's surprise.

Despite reports that Fulham, who are managed by Baird's former international boss Lawrie Sanchez, had offered £2.5m for Baird last week Burley revealed that the bid was in fact £1m, which he labelled "ridiculous".

Though he said he understood how Baird's head might have been turned by lure of Premiership football and the financial package that comes with it, Burley said Saints were not interested in selling Baird.

And he insisted that, despite Baird's formal request, defender won't be going anywhere unless it is right for the club.

See full report in today's Daily Echo