BARNSLEY striker Paul Hayes has rubbished newspaper reports which said he had handed in a transfer request. The 23-year-old front man netted his third goal of the season at Norwich on Sunday but was linked with a move to a club in the south in the weekend papers. “Obviously I am a southerner so if I was to leave Barnsley, ideally it would be for a club down south,” he admitted. “I think with the fact that Southend came in for me, people have put two and two together but I have never gone in and asked the chairman or the manager to leave. “Don’t get me wrong, every player wants to play in the Premiership and if a team destined for that league came in for me I would be interested. “Like with Scott Flinders and his move to Crystal Palace, I don’t think the club would stand in anyone’s way. “At the end of the day the club is a business, it is not about Paul Hayes. If the club accept a bid for me than I will look to move on. “Every player has his price and Barnsley have to take care of themselves. “I did not have a problem with them turning down the bid from Southend. If they felt it was not enough, then that’s up to them. “I am happy here, I have scored three goals and I am playing at the level I want to be at. “I have not really been affected by the newspaper talk because I know it is not true. “I am happy here and I am sure we can go on and do well as a team.”