The club can confirm that a second transfer request has been handed in by Craig Dawson and again rejected by the Dale board.

Rochdale boss Keith Hill confirmed on Tuesday afternoon the request had come into the club from Craig, but while the valuation isn't met the 20-year-old defender is going nowhere.

"A second transfer request has been submitted by Craig Dawson," said Hill."As a former player and manager I understand his desire to play at a higher level and I'm quite sure that Craig Dawson will do just that some day.

"However, the realistic valuation we have for Craig has not been met by any club and until it is met Craig will remain a Rochdale player.He has been exemplary since he returned to pre-season training and his attitude to training is outstanding and I expect that to continue.

"From Craig's point of view it probably is disappointing we haven't managed to negotiate a deal with Middlesborough but that is just part and parcel of being a professional football player.He has to be able to take it in his stride and if he continues to play football the way he has been doing it won't be long before there is a clammer of clubs trying to sign him.

"In my opinion he is an outstanding prospect and he needs to patient in his pursuit of playing at a higher level.Under our guidance he'll become a better footballer if he remains at Spotland with Rochdale and continues the way he has under myself and Flicker.

"I speak with Craig on a regular basis and he does want to play at a higher level and he has said he would like to join Middlesborough but it isn't going to happen while the valuation isn't being met.Craig isn't unsettled by any means and his performances on the training pitch and his pursuit to improve remain first class.As long as Craig remains focussed on that he will get his move, if he fails to continue his development or he takes his eye off the ball then it could have a negative impact on his future.

"It is a shame whoever is driving this has gone public and they are trying to get Rochdale over a barrel. It is the ugly side of football for me that the bigger fish come along and tend to prey on the smaller fish but the chairman and the board have stood firm.Middlesborough know what the valuation is and if they meet it Craig Dawson will be sold.

"Craig knows that myself and Flicker and Rochdale AFC want the best for him but it won't be at the expense of this football club."