Manchester United 1 West Ham United 0

Today

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has called the fee Liverpool paid for Andy Carroll “astronomical”, and credited the Magpies recent success to his departure.

Two second-half goals by Billy Sharp, the Southampton striker who joined Saints from Doncaster Rovers in January, eased his side to a 2-0 win over visitors Rovers and move them nine points clear of third-placed West Ham United. Sharp headed in his first just before the hour and wrapped up the win when he fired home from inside the area with 15 minutes remaining.

Adam Lallana's two goals gave the Championship leaders Southampton a 2-0 win over Barnsley and Saints now lead by three points after second-placed West Ham were held to a fourth consecutive home draw, 1-1 by Doncaster Rovers. Reading, third, moved level on points with the faltering Hammers after a comfortable 3-1 home win over Leicester City.

Cardiff City 0 West Ham United 2

Jose Enrique, Liverpool's new left-back following his protracted £6m departure from Newcastle United, has called into question the direction, ambitions and focus of his former side.

As Alan Pardew prepared to bid farewell to another of his cornerstone players yesterday, with Jose Enrique at Anfield finalising a £6m move, the Newcastle manager was refusing to resign himself to Joey Barton following the Spanish left-back – plus Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan – through the exit door at St James' Park. The chances are that Barton, having tweeted his way on to the transfer list with his criticism of the Tyneside club, will be winging his way away from the Magpies before deadline day. Still, Pardew has planned more peace talks with the disaffected midfielder, who he has yet to rule out of contention for bench duty for the match at home to Arsenal tomorrow.

The turbulent career of Joey Barton is at another crossroads this morning, with the outspoken midfielder searching for a new club after being told by Newcastle he can leave on a free transfer.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew insists they are "ahead of the game" in the quest to sign a frontline striker.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has admonished left-back Jose Enrique over his Twitter "mistake" - but insisted he wants the player to stay.

Jose Enrique last night launched a stinging attack on Mike Ashley’s Newcastle United regime, claiming via Twitter that the club was intent on selling their best players and suggesting that he too is leaving.