Former Liverpool star John Barnes has been given more time to clear a tax debt.
A judge in a specialist court on Monday, February 27 adjourned a hearing to allow "settlement negotiations" to take place. Judge Sally Barber considered the case at an Insolvency and Companies Court hearing in London.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) officials have lodged a bankruptcy petition. Megan Vanderhook, who represented HMRC at the hearing, indicated that Barnes owed at least £200,000 - and told the judge he had repaid £100.
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She said an adjournment would allow "settlement negotiations" to take place. Judge Barber said the case would be reconsidered on May 22.
Barnes, 59, who was not at the hearing, made over 400 appearances for Liverpool scoring 106 goals. He also played in the top flight for Watford and Newcastle.
The Wirral man also won 79 England caps between 1983 and 1995 - and briefly managed Tranmere Rovers after ending his playing career. Barnes has since worked as a pundit and a club ambassador for Liverpool.
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