LEEDS United fans have made it crystal clear that they want transfer-listed Lee Bowyer to stay.

They constantly chanted his name during United's 3-2 home win over Everton last night.

Some supporters unfurled a banner reading: "If you lose Lee Bowyer, you lose the title: the choice is yours," while there were chants to the player urging: "Pay up, and play for Leeds".

Their support may persuade Bowyer to cough up his fine and resume his career in David O'Leary's team.

Bowyer, 24, has so far refused to pay four weeks' wages, thought to be £88,000, for being drunk on the night student Sarfraz Najeib was attacked in January last year.

Bowyer, who was acquitted on charges of affray and grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to the assault, has asked for 48 hours to consider his options.

He is not being considered for selection until he pays the fine which was imposed for breaking the club's code of conduct. Bowyer watched last night's game with Jonathan Woodgate, who was found guilty of affray but not guilty of grievous bodily harm at Hull Crown Court last Friday, from Elland Road's television gantry.

Manager David O'Leary, who has offered a place on the bench against Newcastle on Saturday to Bowyer should he relent, has backed chairman Peter Ridsdale by saying the club will sell if he does not pay.

"We believe we have to be seen to do what is right for the club. If it undermines us and takes a great player away, you have to do that.

"I don't know if he will leave. He trained very well on Wednesday as usual but did not say anything."

Ridsdale, who has revealed that two Premiership clubs have inquired about Bowyer, is confident the midfielder will stay at the club.

"I believe that over the next 24 hours Lee will acknowledge that it is right for the club to take disciplinary action. At no stage have I tried to drive Lee away.

"If he accepts the disciplinary action he can remain at the club."

Updated: 11:48 Thursday, December 20, 2001