Gareth Southgate today sprang a pre-Euro 2000 surprise by submitting an official transfer request to Aston Villa.

That is certain to alert both Chelsea and Arsenal who are looking to strengthen their teams this summer.

Southgate, who joined Villa from Crystal Palace for £2.5 million in July 1995, today travelled with the rest of the England squad to their Euro 2000 headquarters in the Belgian town of Spa.

But before he left England, the 29-year-old defender submitted an official request to Villa and informed Kevin Keegan of his actions.

Southgate's move is certain to provoke considerable interest among Villa's Premiership rivals.

Several top foreign clubs are also likely to be interested in Southgate, who, writing for Soccernet, will provide a unique insight into the England camp during Euro 2000 in his regular columns.

Before he left for Belgium today, the Watford-born player explained why he has asked Villa for a transfer just five days before England kick off their Euro 2000 campaign with a match against Portugal in Eindhoven.

'In my opinion, I feel I have given Villa everything, both on and off the field, in the five years I have been at the club,' he said. 'I feel though, that the time is right for me to move on and try to realise the remaining ambitions in my playing career.'

Southgate has three years remaining of his contract and will command a fee of around £8m. His transfer request will shock manager John Gregory, who greatly values his captain's influence.

Southgate's request completes a triple whammy for Villa following Ugo Ehiogu's announcement that he wants to leave and the news that striker Julian Joachim has handed in a transfer request.

Southgate's main reason for today's decision is that he wants to play at the highest club level, particularly in Europe.

Amongst many others, Arsenal, who will have to inject new blood into an ageing defence, could be interested while Chelsea, who are likely to lose one or both of Frank Leboeuf and Marcel Desailly, would inevitably also be keen.

For the moment though, Southgate is determined that this move will not affect his build-up to Euro 2000. He added: 'I have kept Kevin Keegan informed and his attitude is that it is a matter between me and the club.

'There is a feeling of relief that this is all out in the open and now I want to focus fully on England and Euro 2000. My priority at this time is to try and force my way into the team.'

Keegan, meanwhile, reported no injury worries as his team flew to Belgium today.