Risdale fights to keep Bowyer

Leeds United chiefs are accused today of a cynical ploy over the transfer-listing of Lee Bowyer as it emerged that they are urgently pleading with him to pay his fine and stay.

Chairman Peter Ridsdale is attempting to set up a meeting with the shamed footballer, who last night refused to pay a fine of four weeks' wages - about £64,000 - for being drunk on the night Asian student Sarfraz Najeib was attacked in January last year.

Yesterday Mr Ridsdale was widely praised for making a stand against soccer yobbery by putting Bowyer on the transfer list. But some critics now accuse him of a "cynical PR ploy" by telling the public he wanted to sell a player he really wanted to keep.

He said today: "I sincerely hope Lee will talk to us today, with or without his agent, and agree that what we are asking for is not unreasonable given the unique circumstances which have happened over the last 23 months.

"We want Lee to play football for Leeds United. He is a very valuable member of the squad but I think not to accept the fine, given the circumstances, is wrong. Lee, by his own admission, had an excess of alcohol on the night in question in January 2000.

"These players are role models and it is inappropriate to be in a city centre late at night as a professional footballer with an excess of alcohol in the body. We think we need to demonstrate that."

If Bowyer is sold, however, Leeds are determined to cash in and satisfy their shareholders by demanding a ? 15million fee. It appeared today that there are clubs prepared to buy him, despite widespread condemnation of his behaviour.

At least two unidentified Premiership clubs have expressed "strong interest". Glasgow Rangers are also thought to be interested.

If Bowyer does move he would be entitled to five per cent of the fee because he did not ask for a transfer. That could amount to £750,000 and, since he would also expect a signing-on fee, he would then be able to pay off the estimated £1million legal bill he faces for the two criminal trials at Hull Crown Court.

Bowyer was acquitted on Friday of charges of affray and grievous bodily harm with intent and angrily walked out of yesterday's meeting when informed of the fine. Jonathan Woodgate, who was found guilty of affray, has agreed to pay a record club fine of eight weeks' wages - £104,000.