Martin Hayes says he expects Adam Birchall to remain with Dover, despite the striker handing in a transfer request this week.

The 26-year-old former Barnet frontman – who scored 46 goals for the Whites last season – has been the subject of an offer from Blue Square Bet Premier club Newport County which Hayes described as "insulting."

Dover manager Hayes said: "Adam has got people around him who have told him this is the best thing to do.

"He wants to get back into full-time League football and we have always known that.

"We’ve said okay, we’ll let him do that but Newport are not a Football League team and, to be honest, it was an insulting offer for somebody who scored 46 goals last season."

Hayes added: "There is no problem between me and Adam. We’ll just get on with it until something changes. We’ll carry on as usual. I’m sure Adam will knuckle down and give his all.

"To be honest, if a League club was going to come in for him then I would have thought it would have happened by now because a lot of clubs have done their business and spent their money already."

Birchall told the club’s website: "I want to reiterate that all the time I am a Dover player, I will give 100 per cent. It’s hard not to when the club has such brilliant fans, who have given me magnificent support.

"My dream is to play in the Football League again and I hope supporters can understand. If no one wants me, then rest assured I will be aiming to have another great season here."