Sean Dyche says Burnley are still interested in re-signing Joey Barton
Thursday 29 December 2016 19:08, UK
Manager Sean Dyche says Burnley may still re-sign former midfielder Joey Barton next month.
The Clarets recently agreed a deal in principle for Barton to join them in the January transfer window but the issue has been complicated by a Football Association probe into alleged betting.
The 34-year-old faces a possible fine and suspension, after being charged for allegedly placing 1,260 bets over a 10-year period.
But Dyche says that Barton could still re-join the side he helped win promotion last season.
"We're in ongoing discussions with him and his advisers, just to make sure we're all clear where we stand with that," said Dyche.
"If that goes well, then in theory there is a strong possibility that things carry on as normal, with certain caveats, obviously, for certain situations should they arise."
Barton helped Burnley claim the Championship title last season but then departed for Rangers in the summer.
However, his stint ill-fated stint in came to an end in November, and he was then given permission to train with Burnley.
Dyche says he is happy enough if that arrangement "carries on" for the time being, and admits there is a possibility Barton could play for Burnley before the outcome of the FA's process is known.
"It depends on timings," he said. "We're finding out more about that as we go.
"There's nothing else we can do about that. We can't rush the FA into doing whatever they need to do."
Barton was suspended for one match for breaching betting regulations by the Scottish FA in November and that ban will be carried over into his second spell at Burnley, when and if it becomes official.
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