Redknapp rubbishes Barton talk

Pompey boss never considered move for midfielder

Last updated: 3rd September 2008

Redknapp rubbishes Barton talk

Barton: Not targeted by Pompey

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Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has insisted that Joey Barton was not a transfer target on deadline day.

There was speculation on Monday that Barton could be set to leave Newcastle for another Premier League club.

Pompey were linked with a possible move for the midfielder but Redknapp maintains there was no truth in the reports.

"I do not know where it came from because it's absolute rubbish," he told the Portsmouth News.

"It's just ridiculous, that's all I can say. I was at Fulham watching our reserves play and then all of a sudden people kept asking about Joey Barton.

"People were ringing me up going on about him, but it was complete news to me - and you'd think I would know."

No money

Redknapp admires Barton as a player but admits he did not even consider trying to sign him before the transfer window shut.

He explained: "Sure I like him. Regardless of everything else he's a good player, but I wasn't looking to sign him.

"It hadn't even crossed my mind to be perfectly honest.

"Besides, I had no money to buy anyone else. I thought everyone knew that."

Belhadj praise

Algerian left-back Nadir Belhadj arrived on a season-long loan from Lens on Monday and Redknapp is excited by the capture.

He said: "He will give us a great option on the left with his pace when we play with wing-backs like we did at Everton last weekend.

"Armand Traore has done really well since coming in from Arsenal but he is only 18 and we need cover for him in a long season - especially if we have a run in the Uefa Cup."