Hughes ‘could not trust Barton’

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Arsenal and Tottenham have been linked with Clint Dempsey following the American’s latest goals for Fulham.

The Daily Mirror say Arsenal are keen to sign him, while The Sun claim he is a target for both the Gunners and Spurs.

Hughes held Barton back for a crucial game against Swansea.

Dempsey’s brace against Bolton on Saturday took his tally for the season to 21, inevitably increasing speculation that he could leave Craven Cottage in the summer.

His contract expires at the end of next season and he has been offered a new long-term deal.

Meanwhile, The Sun declare that Joey Barton was axed for QPR’s game against Manchester United because boss Mark Hughes ‘could not trust his skipper to avoid trouble’.

Hughes explained before and after the defeat at Old Trafford that he left Barton out because he is a booking away from being suspended.

The midfielder is expected to return for Wednesday’s home clash with Swansea.

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