NICK Morris has handed in a transfer request as he bids to force a move away from Swindon Robins in order to further his career.

The Australian has now submitted the request to both the club and the BSPA as he looks to leave Blunsdon after two impressive seasons, with his surprise exit from Premier League club Somerset before Christmas the catalyst for his decision.

Morris was happy doubling up with the Robins and the Rebels before Somerset axed him from the side to accommodate Brady Kurtz and there is no rift or falling out between the teenager and bosses at Blunsdon.

The 19-year-old now has limited options in the Premier League due to the fact the majority of team places are already filled, while the Robins’ Thursday race night limits his options further.

Sources close to the rider have told the Advertiser the youngster believes it is vital he rides in both the Elite and Premier Leagues from the start of the season as he looks to push on in the sport, with a year-long loan move away from Swindon his preference before returning to the Robins side next season.

The matter is now in the hands of the sport’s governing body who will make a ruling on whether the rider should be allowed to leave Wiltshire.

The Robins released a strongly worded statement yesterday addressing an alleged move by Sheffield to sign Morris.

Rossiter told the Advertiser yesterday afternoon that Morris’s rumoured Elite League suitors, Leicester, have distanced themselves from the rider after the Robins made it clear he was in their plans.

Swindon have invested heavily in Morris over the last year having made him a permanent club asset and also supplying him with equipment, meaning any buying club would need to stump up a significant transfer fee for the teenager if they wished to acquire his services.