City told to get serious over Sinclair transfer

Swansea City last night rejected a bid of £6.2 million from Manchester City for Scott Sinclair. The 23-year-old winger was left out of the Swans' squad against West Ham United and has refused to sign a new contract.

The Swansea chairman, Huw Jenkins, said: "We haven't agreed any deal with Man City. I'd have thought if they really wanted to sign Scott Sinclair they would have dealt with it a little bit better than they have. It has dragged on too long and I hope it's concluded in the next couple of days."

Joey Barton, the Queen's Park Rangers midfielder, says his proposed move to Marseilles appears to have fallen through. Barton, who is two games into a 12-match ban after being sent off in the final match of last season, wants to leave Loftus Road, where he claims he has been ostracised by team-mates and staff.

Barton said in a series of tweets: "Doesn't look like this Marseilles thing is gonna happen now. 'Whatever doesn't kill you make you stronger' #heartbroken. Why can't things just be simple... [I have] been forced to go back training with the kids and fellow Taliban members at 2pm today. Maybe this is time to dumb down and be dishonest. It seems to take you a long way in this game..." Aston Villa have had a £5.5m bid for Christian Benteke rejected, but the Genk striker's agent Eris Kismet insists: "He wants to play in the Premier League. That is his dream. The big issue is how Genk behave."

Nuri Sahin has not ruled out making his season-long loan from Real Madrid permanent. The Turkey midfielder, 23, said: "You never know. I am looking forward to playing this season and we will do everything to get into the top four."

Henri Lansbury, the Arsenal midfielder, has signed a four-year deal with Nottingham Forest for afee reputed to be in the region of £1m.

Fulham's hopes of signing FC Twente defender Douglas appear to be over after the Brazilian's agent said: "We won't go to London. Douglas is very happy at FC Twente."

The Sunderland manager, Martin O'Neill, says fans will love winger Adam Johnson, who joined last week from Manchester City. O'Neill said: "I'm thrilled for the supporters. He'll be brilliant."