City reject Hamann ‘tapping-up’ claims

MANCHESTER CITY have defended themselves against allegations from Bolton chairman Phil Gartside that they ‘tapped up’ new signing Dietmar Hamann.

The German midfielder signed for City on Wednesday, ending a bizarre 24 hours which saw him initially leave Liverpool for Bolton before completing the Blues deal.

Having already informed Bolton he no longer wished to join them, the Trotters felt they had little option other than to let Hamann move — with City stumping up around £400,000 compensation — although Gartside was unimpressed by the conduct of Hamann and City.