Coyle not keen on Barton

Bolton boss Owen Coyle announced that he is not interested in signing transfer listed Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton.

The 28-year-old was placed on the transfer list by Newcastle on Monday after criticising owner Mike Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias.

Barton was linked to several clubs including Bolton, but Coyle said on Thursday he would not try and sign the one-time England international.

“I think Joey Barton’s best position is in the centre of midfield, that’s not an area we are looking to strengthen,” Coyle said.

“What I do know is whoever does manage to sign him is getting a hugely talented player and I’d imagine a player with a point to prove so it will certainly be good business for someone.”

The Scottish manager has not ruled out a move for Manchester City wingers Sean Wright-Phillips and Vladimir Weiss.

Coyle helped Bolton to 14th in the English Premier League last campaign, but said his team was capable of producing surprises this season.

“I think if you ask anybody at the beginning of the season they would say that the top six places should fill themselves, barring something going horribly wrong any of those elite clubs,” Coyle said.

“But I think it’s also fair to say that on any given day we are all capable of beating whether it be the top six or not.”

“Consistently we know that we’ll not match them over the season but we know game to game we can go and win games and take points and that’s why it’s the best league in the world.”

Bolton meet La Liga outfit Levante in a pre-season friendly at Reebok Stadium on Friday.