Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton has handed in a transfer request the day before the transfer window closes and surprisingly after speculation last week that there was interest.

Now, we're not suggesting this is a 'tapping up' but is it only us that thinks this is a coincidence? Wait until the very last opportunity, player hands in request wanting out, offer likely to come in tomorrow and player is gone.

City were quick to refuse the request and a statement on the club website had this to say "The manager has publicly stated his desire to keep the player at Manchester City,"

"A second round of negotiations between the club and the player's representatives took place on Monday and Manchester City wishes to continue those talks."

We're probably so wide off the mark it's like Gavin McCann having a shot on goal but it does smell of something. Still, it would be nice if it was David O'Leary not doing the tapping up and that he wasn't on his way to Birmingham, however I suspect he'll want to be staying in Manchester.