Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean has confirmed that midfielder Steven Nzonzi recently handed in a transfer request.

Reports had emerged claiming that the 23-year-old was keen to leave Ewood Park following the club's relegation into the Championship.

Speculation was increased after it was confirmed that the playmaker had not traveled with the Lancashire club to a training camp in Austria.

"He's asked for a transfer, hence why he never went to [the training camp in] Austria," Kean told BBC Radio Lancashire. "He doesn't want to play for the club any longer."

"I had two meetings with his father and he wants to play elsewhere. We'll be listening to offers, but as it stands, he remains under contract and we haven't had any offers at all."

Nzonzi, who signed a five-year contract in 2010, is believed to be a target for Sunderland.