Villa had been cut to short odds to sign the released Rangers man by some bookmakers.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has addressed speculation that the club could offer a contract to controversial released Rangers man Joey Barton, report the Express & Star.
Barton’s contract at Ibrox was terminated by mutual consent after the midfielder’s suspension for a training ground altercation with teammate Andy Halliday, and another ban dished out for breaking the SFA’s gambling rules.
Since his departure from Glasgow, there has been much speculation as to which clubs may take a punt on the man whose rap sheet just gets longer and longer.
Villa have been linked with a possible move for Barton before, and last week they were rated as short as evens to sign the experienced former England man.
However, speaking to reporters on Thursday, Bruce was quick to nip in the bud any talk that the 34-year-old could wind up at Villa Park.
Bruce said, via the Express & Star: “I have seen some reports linking him with us. I wish Joey well and hope he gets fixed up but no, he is not for us.”
Whilst some Villa fans may have argued that Barton could still have something to offer the Championship side, Bruce’s assertion that there is no genuine interest is likely to come as a relief to many.
Villa are unbeaten in five games since Bruce’s appointment, and finally look to be getting their act together; a disruptive influence such as Barton is unlikely to be what they need.
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