City deny improper conduct

Distin made a good impression on loan at Newcastle

Manchester City have rejected claims that they made an illegal approach for former Newcastle defender Sylvain Distin.

Distin made 35 appearances for the Magpies last season while on loan from French club Paris St Germain.

But he turned down their offer of a permanent deal and instead joined City for £4m earlier in the summer.

Man City sign Distin

Newcastle were furious and claimed they had first option on the 24-year-old.

Although Newcastle declined to comment on Thursday, an FA spokesman confirmed that a complaint had been made to the Football League.

However, as the two clubs had been in different leagues at the time the alleged offence was committed, it had been passed on to them.

We have the complaint from Newcastle and we have written to Manchester City for their observations on the case

FA spokesman

"There was a complaint from Newcastle United which went to the Football League, but because at the time Manchester City and Newcastle were in different leagues, it becomes an FA matter," the spokesman said.

"We have the complaint from Newcastle and we have written to Manchester City for their observations on the case.

"We are awaiting their reply at the moment and will act following that."

However, City chairman David Bernstein insisted on Thursday that his club had done nothing wrong.

"If there is an issue, it is without foundation," he told the club website.