Butler / Man City rumour rubbished

Last updated : 12 May 2005 By Luke Thornhill
Thursday's Daily Mirror claimed that the Citizens were leading the chase for the 21-year-old defender, and put a £1million price tag on his head.

But both clubs have dismissed the reports out of hand. City confirmed Stuart Pearce as their manager on Thursday, and have told him that he has no money available for transfer fees.

Butler has been a mainstay of the Iron defence after breaking into the side early last season, and has a further three years left on his contract.

He virtually swept the board in the club's player of the year awards, taking the main Ernie Storey memorial trophy and becoming the first player ever to take the Irish Iron prize in consecutive seasons.