Glenn Slams Rumours

Glenn Roeder has blasted speculation linking Newcastle United defender Warren Barton with a move to Upton Park and revealed his anger at seeing the Club once again "used as a vehicle" by other clubs seeking to offload unwanted players.

The Hammers boss was left seething by a report in a daily tabloid newspaper that claimed the former Wimbledon and England defender was on the verge of completing a deal to bring him back down south and insists he has no interest whatsoever in fulfilling the player's aim.

A furious Glenn, who telephoned the official website first thing this morning to put the record straight, says: "I've seen the speculation linking us with Warren Barton and there is absolutely no truth in the story.

"I obviously have some close friends in Newcastle, having lived up there during my playing career, and I've been aware for some time that Warren Barton is seeking a move back to London.

"However, I have never shown any interest in him, no bid has been made and I can categorically state that he won't be appearing in a West Ham shirt.

"Once again, I am having to waste my time denying rumours that have no truth in them whatsoever and, quite frankly, I am becoming sick and tired of seeing other clubs using West Ham as a vehicle to offload players they are trying to sell."

It is the second time the Hammers boss has been angered by speculation between the two clubs. Only last month, another tabloid wrongly claimed that Newcastle were about to unveil Trevor Sinclair as their latest big money signing, forcing Magpies boss Bobby Robson to offer a public apology on behalf of the club.

Glenn adds: "It's unfair on West Ham United and it's unfair on our fans. To be honest, this rubbish doesn't even deserve a response but I want to ensure that our supporters know the truth."