BARNETT RULES OUT UNITED DYER RAID
A swap deal involving Dwight Yorke had been reported, although this seemed wildly optimistic and Barnett denied United had matched Dyer's asking price.
Instead, the agent claimed that a number of foreign clubs were at the top of the queue for Dyer, and The Red Devils, along with Leeds United were trailing behind.
Barnett confirmed Newcastle's desire to keep their versatile star, saying: "If Newcastle said they wanted to get rid of him, he'd talk. But my indication is that Newcastle would want in excess of £20 million for him and nobody has offered that amount.
"I don't think Manchester United are favourites, I think there are other clubs ahead of them. There are two in Italy and one in Spain."
Juventus and Internazionale are believed to be the Serie A sides in question, whilst Barcelona issued a wish-list of the world's top players with Dyer on it.
Whether Dyer will be fit for the beginning for the beginning of the season remains to be seen, but despite his shin-split problems, the England international remains in demand.
Dyer still has three years to go on his Newcastle contract, but Barnett warned the club had to prove their ambition to his client.
Barnett said: "He wants to see who Newcastle buy and what their ambitions are before he makes a decision. But he wants to get his face back in the England team."
Meanwhile, Magpies midfielder Gary Speed and Aston Villa's Ian Taylor have had the red cards they received after clashing on the last day of the season reduced to yellow after appeal, the Football Association have revealed.
It means that both players will not miss the start of the season through suspension which would have been the case had the sendings off stood.
