Joey Barton clarifies Neil Redfearn's Leeds United claim

Joey Barton has insisted that he was never close to joining Leeds United last summer, despite Neil Redfearn's claims to the contrary.

In a recent interview with Radio Yorkshire, Redfearn stated that Barton was one of four players that was interested in signing on at Elland Road.

However, he went on to add that none of those deals were finalised as a result of his departure from the club.

Barton, though, has revealed that the instability at Leeds meant that they were never a viable option.

"Not calling Neil a liar but he never spoke directly to me. Or anyone close to me to the best of my knowledge," the 33-year-old wrote on Twitter.

"Leeds is a huge club and of course if they had stability off the field, it could have been of interest last year.

"But with current issues away from the field, I couldn't afford to join a club and waste energy on nonsense. Wish Leeds Utd and Neil all the best in the future. Hope that clears it up."

Barton, who at the time was a free agent following his release by Queens Park Rangers, eventually joined Burnley.