MICHAEL Ricketts' transfer demand is understood to have cost him bonus payments he would have been due under the terms of his Bolton contract.

But it will not have come as a shock to supporters who have followed the sequence of events since he won his single England cap in Holland last February, when he was a prominent and powerful Premiership force.

A slump in form and repeated rumours of a deterioration in his relationship with manager Sam Allardyce led to repeated reports that the striker Wanderers plucked from relative obscurity at Walsall in a £400,000 July 2000 transfer, was on borrowed time at the Reebok.

Ricketts, doubtful for Wednesday night's game at Newcastle with a hamstring problem, insists his decision to seek a move is based on a desire to win trophies and reclaim his England place.

"I've come to the conclusion that the interests of all parties are best served by me continuing my career away from Bolton," he said.

"The interest shown in me by Tottenham and other Premiership clubs has been flattering.

"This has not been an easy decision. The manager gave me the opportunity to prove that I am capable of performing at a higher level. I think I have rewarded his faith and repaid the club's investment.

"I feel I need to give myself the best opportunity of returning to the international fold and seriously challenging for honours within the game."