Gary Megson has pulled out of the race to sign Joey Barton after having a bid rejected by Newcastle.
Bolton boss not prepared to increase offer
Bolton boss Gary Megson has pulled out of the race to sign Joey Barton after having a bid rejected by Newcastle.
Skysports.com revealed last week that the Magpies had turned down an offer from Bolton for the midfielder.
It is understood that Bolton lodged a bid of around £2million and Newcastle demanded a considerably larger fee.
Megson has now confirmed he is no longer interested in Barton, saying: "We move on. Joey is a good player and a former England international.
"But he has certainly had his problems. There is an amount we would go to and that's it. We would not go any further."
Barton, who is currently sidelined with a knee ligament injury, has also been linked with a move to Portsmouth.
McCann blow
Meanwhile, Megson's injury problems are mounting ahead of the meeting with Manchester United on Saturday.
Megson was only able to name four substitutes against Arsenal at the weekend and Gavin McCann broke a toe at Emirates Stadium.
Johan Elmander (hamstring) and Nicky Hunt (foot) are also receiving treatment for injuries.
