Joey Barton has played down suggestions that he was close to joining Leeds United in the summer.
Former Whites boss Neil Redfearn revealed to Radio Yorkshire on Wednesday that he went after the likes of Barton, Charlie Adam, Matty Phillips and Jason Shackell when he was at the helm at Elland Road.
Barton, who left QPR to eventually join Burnley in the summer, responded to the claims with a series of Twitter posts indicating that although Leeds may be an attractive proposition, there has been too much drama surrounding the Massimo Cellino-led West Yorkshire outfit for him to make the move there at this stage of his career.
Not calling Neil a liar but he never spoke directly to me. Or anyone close to me to the best of my knowledge. https://t.co/e2RXssnjnp
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) February 17, 2016
Leeds is a huge club and of course if they had stability off the field, It could have been of interest last year. https://t.co/e2RXssnjnp
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) February 17, 2016
But with current issues away from the field, I couldn't afford to join a club and waste energy on nonsense. https://t.co/e2RXssnjnp
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) February 17, 2016
Wish Leeds Utd and Neil all the best in the future. Hope that clears it up. https://t.co/e2RXssnjnp
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) February 17, 2016