Soccer Shorts

A round-up of today's other stories in brief

Barton rejects offer

Joey Barton's apparent magnetic attraction to controversy resurfaced last night when he responded to a double-your-money offer from Manchester City by handing in a written transfer request, writes Daniel Taylor.

Barton had been offered a weekly salary of £30,000 but informed City that he thought he was being taken for granted and that he wanted to increase his weekly wage from £14,000 to £40,000. The 23-year-old midfielder has been City's best player this season and believes he should be the highest-paid member of Stuart Pearce's squad, a mantle that was previously Robbie Fowler's on £35,000 a week.

City immediately rejected Barton's transfer request, with Pearce understood to feel badly let down. The club believes Barton has been badly advised by his new agent Willie McKay.

His previous adviser, Struan Marshall, had recommended that Barton stay at City, citing Pearce's influence and the support that the club have shown during his turbulent career.

Pearce is particularly entitled to feel aggrieved, having made it a personal mission of his to help Barton to overcome his personal problems. Barton was allowed time off to attend the Sporting Chance clinic for anger management lessons and "lifestyle coaching." City also threw a supportive wall around him when his brother went on trial for the racist murder of Anthony Walker in Liverpool.

Barton's decision is regarded as an act of ingratitude by supporters and he faces an angry backlash when they host Newcastle United tomorrow. Guardian Service

Dublin joins Celtic

Celtic have completed the signing of Dion Dublin. The 36-year-old striker has joined the Hoops until the end of the season after his contract with Leicester was cancelled by mutual consent.

The former Aston Villa and Coventry player, who can also play in defence, worked under Hoops boss Gordon Strachan during their time together at Highfield Road.

A club statement said: "Celtic have today completed the signing of Dion Dublin from Leicester City. The player, who can play in a number of positions, has signed until the end of this season."

Bruce declares

Birmingham defender Alex Bruce has opted to make himself available for the Republic rather than Northern Ireland. Manchester-born Bruce qualifies to play for both countries through his grandparents. Bruce, son of manager Steve, was last week selected by Northern Ireland for an under-21 clash with Israel.

But the 21-year-old has decided his allegiance lies with the Republic of Ireland.

He said: "I'm very flattered that Northern Ireland and the Republic are both showing an interest in me. But I think I'm going to pick the Republic purely because I think they are a better team. That's no disrespect to Northern Ireland. I've still got a few things to sort out but hopefully I will be playing for them soon."

Murphy wants move

Danny Murphy is attempting to engineer a deadline-day move away from Charlton, with Tottenham his preferred destination. There has been no contact between the clubs and, with no replacements lined up, Charlton would be reluctant sellers.

However, Murphy hopes that his advisers can persuade both clubs to reach agreement on a £2.5 million transfer after falling out with the Charlton manager, Alan Curbishley.

The Spurs manager, Martin Jol, would consider the goal-scoring playmaker Murphy a useful addition to his squad, since he has been determined to provide a more attractive style of play at White Hart Lane.

Guinea top group

Pascal Feindouno scored his third goal in two games as Guinea beat Tunisia 3-0 yesterday to finish top of Group C at the African Nations Cup. Both teams had already qualified for the quarter-finals, having won their first two games, and rested several players.

In yesterday's other game South Africa, who will host the 2010 World Cup, exited the competition without recording a point or even a goal to their name following their 1-0 defeat to Zambia.

Wembley's struggle

The head of the construction firm behind Wembley Stadium admitted yesterday there was only a 70 per cent chance it would be ready for the FA Cup final in May. Multiplex's UK managing director Martin Tidd said the company was "fully committed" to the handover deadline of March 31st but there were several risks which could effect finishing on time. These included bad weather, the performance of sub-contractors, relations with trade unions and any design changes.

The firm will advise Wembley National Stadium Limited (WNSL), the subsidiary of the Football Association set up to run it, over the next two or three weeks on when it will be ready.

WNSL said it would continue to monitor progress but "safety and the quality of the stadium must remain the most important factors". Football Supporters' Federation chairman Malcolm Clarke said fans would believe in the stadium's completion "when they see it".

More brief . . .

Bolton midfielder Ivan Campo has been sidelined for at least 10 weeks after breaking his right foot in Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round win against Arsenal . . . Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric has conceded defeat in his bid to sign striker John Hartson from Celtic . . . Germany captain Michael Ballack's future at Bayern Munich is in doubt again after the Bundesliga club revealed they may offer the one-time Manchester United target a more modest contract . . . Birmingham have signed Czech Republic Under-21 defender Martin Latka on loan from Slavia Prague until the end of the season . . . Portsmouth have announced the signings of Wayne Routledge and Ognjen Koroman on loan from Spurs and Russian team Terek Groznyi . . . West Brom manager Bryan Robson is closing in on a double swoop as he looks to sign Southampton midfielder Nigel Quashie and Uruguayan defender Williams Martinez from Defensor.