Manchester City have rejected Joey Barton's shock transfer request just one week after the club  opened contract talks with the 23-year-old.

Manager Stuart Pearce is determined to hang on to the midfielder with the club issuing a statement on the club's website www.mcfc.co.uk.

"The manager has publicly stated his desire to keep the player at Manchester City Football Club. A second round of negotiations between the club and the player's representatives took place today and Manchester City wishes to continue those talks."