Tigers reject Barton link

18 July 2009 16:03
Hull City have rejected reports that they were planning to make a summer swoop for Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton and are still to hold talks with Fulham striker Bobby Zamora. The controversial 27-year-old is one of many high-earners at St James' Park who the Magpies are expected to attempt to offload following their relegation. Tigers boss Phil Brown is keen to strengthen his squad after only narrowly avoiding the drop last term, but has no plans to bring in the former Manchester City man. When asked if there was any truth in the rumours, assistant manager Brian Horton said: "No. "Joey Barton is a very good footballer. I know him, I have done things with him in Manchester. "He has obviously had issues and that is a shame because he can be a very good footballer but at this present time I don't think it's an area that really needs to be looked at." The Tigers' £5million bid for Zamora was accepted by Fulham in the week, but the striker is yet to hold any discussions with the KC Stadium outfit and could yet remain at Craven Cottage. Horton told Sky Sports News: "I've read in the papers that Roy Hodgson maybe doesn't want to sell him because he's had such a good pre-season. "If that's the case, there's nothing we can do about it. "An offer has been made, but at the moment there have been no talks with Bobby."

Source: SKY_Sports