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Report: Leeds United have no interest in signing Joey Barton despite recent claims

General view inside the stadium before the game - Elland Road (Reuters)
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Leeds United are said to have no intention of signing the Rangers player if he leaves Scotland for pastures new.

According to a report from the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United have no interest in signing Joey Barton if he leaves Rangers despite recent reports to the contrary.

The 34-year-old is being tipped to end his spell with the Scottish club earlier than expected after being signed off with stress following a training ground bust-up and subsequent internal suspension.

Celtic's Scott Sinclair with Rangers' Joey Barton after the game

Leeds manager Garry Monk was reportedly keen to bring the player to Elland Road – according to the Herald Scotland – but Whites sources have allegedly told the YEP that is not the case.

The report states that Barton is not a player Leeds wish to pursue in January and when you consider the number of central midfielders at their disposal that is no surprise.

Joey Barton of Burnley

Kalvin Phillips, Eunan O’Kane, Liam Bridcutt and Ronaldo Vieira are all competing for places while Matt Grimes is also looking to play his way back into contention.

At 34, Barton is well past his best and Leeds should be focusing on securing the long-term futures of loanees Pontus Jansson and Kyle Bartley and signing a new striker in case Chris Wood is ruled out for any length of time in the months ahead.

Burnley's Joey Barton