Ricardo Vaz Te: West Ham forward has handed in transfer request

Vaz Te's future at Upton Park has been the subject of speculation this summer with a number of clubs linked with a move for the Portuguese player.

The Hammers are reported to be open to offers for the former Bolton man as they look to trim their squad so that they can bring in more new signings before the close of the transfer window.

Vaz Te, who started his first game of the season in Tuesday's Capital One Cup win over Cheltenham, says that he has been forced to hand in a transfer request as he does not figure in Sam Allardyce's plans.

"In my 10 years as a professional football player I have never submitted a transfer request nor issued a statement," Vaz Te said in a statement released to Sky Sports. "However, I am frustrated at West Ham United Football Club.

"Last season I was asked to change positions for the benefit of the team even though I had just scored 24 goals.

"The main objective was to finish top 10 in the Premier League and I followed my instructions to the best of my ability as the club always comes first. As a result even though I was injured for three months no other player made more assists than me and no other winger scored more goals than me.

"In addition, since I joined this football club on 31st January 2012 no other player has scored more goals than me in all official competitions to date.

"Statistics are evident to all, despite this, it has been made obvious to myself and my representatives that I am not in the manager's plans.

"Therefore it is with a heavy heart that I submit a transfer request and look to join a club where my approach to the game will be appreciated."