Kieron Dyer needs liver transplant after being diagnosed with rare disease

Former England midfielder Kieron Dyer requires a liver transplant after being diagnosed with a rare disease.

The Ipswich Town Under-23 manager was admitted to hospital earlier this week for tests which subsequently confirmed he has primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Dyer, 42, featured in the latest series of Channel 4 show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins but withdrew in September due to medical reasons.

The ex-Newcastle United and West Ham United star suffered a cracked rib which punctured his lung and left him feeling like he was "drowning".

Ipswich confirmed he has been struggling with liver problems in recent years as they confirmed his diagnosis with a statement.

The League One side said: "The Club can confirm Town U23 manager Kieron Dyer has been diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Kieron Dyer requires a liver transplant after he was diagnosed with a rare disease ( Image:

Minnow Films)

"Kieron has been managing problems with his liver for the past couple of years, and now requires a transplant.

"The best wishes of everyone at Ipswich Town Football Club remain with Kieron and his family.

"We reiterate our request that everyone respects Kieron's wishes in privacy for him and his family.

Dyer added: "Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with a condition of the liver a couple of years ago, that would lead to me one day needing a transplant.

"Over the next week, test results will confirm when I need to go through this procedure.

"I see myself as a very positive person that will overcome this minor setback.

"I'm very grateful to the Club, the supporters and the general public for their messages of support over the past week.

"I would like to ask everyone now to respect my privacy, and my family's privacy."

Dyer came through the academy ranks at Ipswich and was appointed U23 boss in October 2020.

He earned 33 caps for England and made over 400 club appearances during his playing career between 1996 and 2013.

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Dyer joined Newcastle in 1999 and went on to earn a spot in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2002/03 season while with the Magpies.

He made 250 appearances before departing for West Ham in 2007, but failed to bring his best form to east London as he struggled with injuries.

Dyer played just 35 games during four years on the Irons' books and briefly returned to Ipswich on loan in the 2010/11 campaign.

He played out the remainder of his career with Queens Park Rangers and Middlesbrough.