Source: Daily_Mail
Aston Villa to press ahead with move for Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton
Aston Villa are ready to step uptheir interest in Newcastlemidfielder Joey Barton. [LNB]Manager Gerard Houllier hadreservations about bringing the28-year-old to the club and iswary of a backlash from fans overhis reputation, but he isdesperate to add some steel tohis midfield and wants playerswith Premier League experience. [LNB]Houllier's backroomstaff areencouraging him tomove for Barton, confidentthey can channel hisaggression.[LNB] Target: Joey Barton is wanted by Aston Villa[LNB] Theywere impressed byBarton in his performanceagainst Manchester City onBoxing Day when he playedagainst doctor's orders followinga bout of flu, and Houllier ispondering a bid. [LNB]Newcastle manager Alan Pardewwants to keep Barton and willconsider offering a new contractbut Villa are ready to backHoullier once he defines histargets.[LNB] We're in a real mess: Villa winger Albrighton admits fears over poor formMancini wants Carroll service forcing Wolfsburg to lower Dzeko demandsDefender Taylor signs new five-and-a-half year deal at Newcastle[LNB] Explore more:People: Gerard Houllier, Joey Barton Places: Newcastle
