Joey Barton has described Leeds United as a “sleeping giant” and made a transfer revelation that he has never been close to joining them.
The English midfielder is currently suspended from football for breaching betting rules and that ban expires on 1 June 2018.
Barton was asked on social media if he ever came close to joining Leeds in the past and insisted a move to Elland Road has never been a possibility.
“No. Never even spoken to them. Good club though. Sleeping giants,” the 35-year-old wrote on his personal twitter account.
No. Never even spoken to them. Good club though. Sleeping giant. https://t.co/xaQWAUSjSh
— ? Joey Barton ? (@Joey7Barton) October 29, 2017
Barton has talked up Leeds despite the fact that a transfer has never been on the cards and referred to their exile from the Premier League.
The Whites have not been in the top flight since their relegation in the 2003/04 season and are long overdue a return.
Thomas Christiansen’s side are pushing for promotion this campaign and are fifth-placed in the league standings, but face some serious tough competition if they are to return.
OPINION
Leeds fans are desperate to be back in the Premier League and there are many people that would love to see the Yorkshire giants back too. They do attract a 30,000-plus crowd most weeks at Elland Road and will hope this season they can finally get over the line for promotion. Christiansen has made a decent start to his life as the Leeds manager, but his side are going through a difficult patch and need to turn their corner quickly. The Championship is such a difficult league to get out of and there are several sleeping giants stuck in the division.