FOOTBALL DIGEST

JOEY BARTON has denied claims he assaulted fellow manager Daniel Stendel after Fleetwood’s defeat at Barnsley. He said on Twitter: ‘With regards to the alleged incident on Saturday, I emphatically deny all the allegations made.’

JACK WILSHERE is close to a comeback after missing four months with an ankle injury. West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini said: ‘He’s played one game for the Under 23s so it will be soon, either this week or next. He will play before the end of this season.’