Barton speculation wide of the mark

A lot of money has gone on Barton joining the Clarets, after his departure from QPR this summer - he has come in from 25/1 to 7/4 with BetVictor to move to Turf Moor before the end of the transfer window at 6 p.m. next Tuesday.

Having been without a club since the end of last season, Barton is not tied by the window, and could join a club after the September 1st deadline.

But I understand his preference is to stay in the Premier League, and the one-cap England international is believed to have two or three potential suitors.

The 32-year-old has held talks with a number of clubs, and has been linked with Nottingham Forest, although Forest are restricted in their wage offer by their Financial Fair Play embargo.

Barton dismissed the rumour as he tweeted radio presenter Ian ‘Moose’ Abraham, who said: @Joey7Barton is heading to @Official_NFFC that could see ex @whufc_official midfielder Henri Lansbury go to @BurnleyOfficial

Barton responded: “first I’ve heard Moose...”

The former Manchester City man has, however, had an embarrassing u-turn before, after a loan spell at Marseille, when QPR had been relegated in 2013, tweeting: “I WILL NOT BE PLAYING IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP NEXT SEASON...’ and ‘Some strange people think that I’ll be playing in the Championship next season. Good one! QPR might, I won’t! #fact.”

However, return he did, as he helped the Hoops return to the Premier League via the play-offs, after finishing behind promoted Burnley.

Meanwhile, Luton Town have revealed their financial windfall after Burnley’s club record £6m deal for Brentford striker Andre Gray.

Gray joined the Bees from the Hatters last summer for £600,000, and a statement read: “We are guaranteed to receive a shade over £1.1m from the fee which will be spread over three seasons; an initial figure approaching £300,000 followed by two of just over £400,000 each.

“Should Andre contribute to Burnley’s success, resulting in a successful Premier League spell then we will also benefit further - to the tune of up to £700,000.”