QPR midfielder Joey Barton has denied reports that he has joined League Two newcomers Fleetwood Town on loan.
The 29-year-old will miss the opening 12 Premier League matches after he was sent off on the final day of last season.
Barton has spent pre-season training with Fleetwood and reports suggest that he could extend his stay with the Cod Army.
“BBC news jumping the gun a bit,” he said on Twitter.
“I’ve not signed for Fleetwood. Just currently enjoying training there.”
Melo opts for Galatasaray
Midfielder Felipe Melo has decided to leave Juventus and return to Galatasaray where he was on loan last season.
It seems the Brazilian was keen to stay in Turkey and yesterday he claimed that negotiations have finally been concluded after protracted talks with the Italian club.
“I am happy that we have finally reached a conclusive agreement,” Melo said.
“I hope that the deal between the clubs can be concluded as soon as possible because I really want to play for Galatasaray.”
Galatasaray originally had an option to purchase the player at the end of his loan for €13m but reports said that the transfer fee was adjusted to €8m.
Kitson ends Pompey sojourn
Portsmouth indicated that striker Dave Kitson has agreed to terminate his contract with the financially-stricken third-tier club, leaving just two professionals – midfielder Liam Lawrence and defender Tal Ben Haim – in the squad.
The south coast side, who are battling to avoid liquidation, could go out of business this month unless they can reach agreement on further cost cuts.
Administrator Trevor Birch warned last month they could fold as soon as August 10.
Kitson signed from Stoke two years ago and netted scored 12 goals in 72 appearances for Pompey.
Lindegaard proud to be at United
Anders Lindegaard says there is nowhere he would rather be than Manchester United.
Lindegaard knows he must start from scratch this season but he has no hesitation signing a new four-year contract.
“I’m very pleased to have signed a new contract,” the Dane said.
“I’m glad and proud that the manager has shown the confidence he has in me by giving me a new deal. There is nowhere in the world I would rather be than right here.
“The competition for places is tough, as it should be in a club like this. It’s what I have dreamt of all my life and nothing makes me more proud than wearing the United badge.”
Gunners target free to leave Real
Arsenal target Nuri Sahin has been told by Jose Mourinho that he can leave Real Madrid.
The Gunners are reportedly interested in signing Sahin on a season-long deal with an option to buy, but face competition from Galatasaray for the 23-year-old Turkey midfielder.
Emirates Stadium is Sahin’s preferred destination and the transfer moved a step closer yesterday when Mourinho declared he is surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu.
“The point is that he’s a young boy who wants to play every match,” Mourinho said.
“If he stays, he’s not a problem for me. He’s one more solution. We are leaving the situation in his hands.”
Sahin joined Real for £8m last summer from Borussia Dortmund.
Diego apologises to Wolfsburg fans
Wolfsburg forward Diego has written a letter to the club’s fans apologising for his conduct during his last spell with the club and promised to pay them back for their patience.
The Brazilian spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid after being suspended by Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath when he walked out of a pre-match team meeting in May last year after learning he was not in the starting XI for the match against Hoffenheim.
He has returned to the club this summer and played his way back into Magath’s plans.
“My family and I have always been happy here and now we are back living in our home together. I apologised to our coach last season and I have learnt from my mistake,” Diego said.
Advocaat raring to go at PSV
New PSV Eindhoven coach Dick Advocaat wants his team to use today’s Johan Cruijff Schaal clash with Ajax as a springboard to Eredivisie success this season.
Advocaat, who agreed to take the permanent role at the Philips Stadion before coaching Russia at Euro 2012, has stated that winning the league title is his primary aim. PSV finished seven points behind champions Ajax last term, although they were victorious in the KNVB Beker to set up today’s match.
“We are anxious to get going. We’re going to have an even better squad than we did last year in the Eredivisie. Winning the title is the only thing that counts,” Advocaat said.