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Burnley would not be drawn on whether the Football Association charge against Joey Barton in relation to alleged historic betting would endanger his proposed return to the squad.

"The club will be discussing the matter with Joey and his legal representatives and will be making no further comment on the matter at this time," read a statement.

Earlier in the day manager Sean Dyche emphasised that Barton, whose short Rangers spell came to an end earlier this season, had not yet completed his return to Turf Moor.

"He's not a contracted player at Burnley Football Club," Dyche said. "We've just had a chat with him and agreed in principle the idea of it going forward."