Former Norwich City academy keeper Joe Lewis has handed in a transfer request at Peterborough. The Canaries would be entitled to a sell-on fee after negotiating a clause in his original move for a deal in the region of �400,000 back in January 2008.

Lewis' request was reportedly triggered by Posh's decision to turn down an offer from an unnamed Premier League club for the ex-England U21 international, who is contracted to the League One play-off contenders until 2012.

The Broome-born stopper's announcement came on the eve of United's home league game against Brentford last night following the surprise departure of former manager Gary Johnson.

Peterborough, however, released an official statement prior to the Bees' visit revealing chairman Darragh MacAnthony had already held talks with former boss Darren Ferguson – the man who brought Lewis to London Road – regarding a potential return.

Johnson left the club in the wake of Saturday's heavy 6-2 FA Cup exit at Fulham with Posh's hierarchy stating 'the manager and chairman could not see eye to eye on policy.'

Lewis had previously been linked with the likes of Everton, Tottenham, Fulham and QPR following his impressive role in United's back-to-back promotions to the Championship after his Norwich release by ex-City manager Glenn Roeder before making a first team appearance.

MacAnthony publicly disclosed a Premier League club had offered �2m for Lewis in the 2008/09 season after the highly-rated stopper toured Trinidad and Tobago and the USA with Fabio Capello's senior England party. The businessman previously stated Peterborough were keen to open fresh contract talks with Lewis at the end of last season following reported interest from QPR.

'QPR couldn't afford to buy Joe as they don't spend a lot of money on transfer fees and to be honest if Joe were to move in the future it would be a top club in the Premier League,' he said.

'In fairness to Joe he hasn't rocked the boat asking about leaving and he will be one of a few players we will be discussing new contract terms with in the next few months to extend his stay. Joe is a professional on and off the pitch and a few players could learn a few things from him regarding this and how he handles his career.'

Peterborough sold striker Aaron McLean to City's Championship rivals Hull in December for an undisclosed fee and the likes of Lewis, George Boyd and Craig Mackail-Smith have all been linked with a potential move away as United struggle to mount an instant return to the second tier.

Managerless Posh won 2-1 at London Road last night, thanks to a 90th minute winner from Jonathan Obika. Earlier a 74th minute effort from Brentford's Marc Laird had cancelled out an early Grant McCann penalty.