Chase asks to leave Tigers

England half-back Rangi Chase has handed in a transfer request at Castleford, the Super League club have confirmed.

The 2011 Man of Steel's future has been the source of heavy debate for the last 18 months and he now appears to have taken a decisive step towards leaving the Tigers.

A statement from the West Yorkshire club read: "Castleford Tigers can confirm that Rangi Chase has submitted a transfer request."

There was no indication from Castleford as to whether Chase's request would be granted, but all signs would now point to him signing for Salford.

The Reds, and their ambitious owner Marwan Koukash, have already failed with two bids for the 27-year-old New Zealand-born playmaker, who joined Castleford from St George Illawarra in 2009.

His breakthrough season with Castleford came in 2011 when he was named as the Super League's best player and also won international honours with England, despite having previously played for the New Zealand Maori.

Last season a move to Hull fell through over visa complications, while a mooted return to St George in April also failed to materialise.