Bolton chairman Phil Gartside has been quick to distance the club from reports linking the Trotters with a move for Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton.

Barton is currently serving a six-month jail sentence for assault, and there have been rumours he could be heading towards the Reebok Stadium following his release.

But Gartside said there is no chance of that deal coming to fruition as he is looking to preserve the club's family image.

"It's important that we get back to being the homely, family club that we claim to be," said Gartside.

Barton, 25, was found guilty last week of assaulting former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo, for which offence he was given a further four-month sentence - though this one was suspended.