Everton Football Club News

• Nickname:Toffees
• Founded:1878
• Manager:David Moyes

• Ground:Goodison Park
• Capacity:42,440

Agent offers Barton hope

16 Jan 2007 - 13:07:43

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Everton have been given fresh hope of being able to sign Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton by the player's agent.

The Toffees have enquired about the 24-year-old schemer, with manager David Moyes telling the club's official website: "I can confirm that we've made an enquiry for Joey Barton.

"However, Manchester City made it clear he was not for sale and we respect the wishes of the club and Stuart Pearce."

In a further twist though, Barton's agent Willie McKay says his client is free to speak to any interested club who have offered £5.5million or above.

He told BBC Sport: "This is Joey Barton's clause, not Manchester City's and it's a clause they were happy to put in.

"Joey is entitled to speak to any club that makes an offer of £5.5million.

"Manchester City can't turn that down and refuse him permission to open talks. It's up to Joey whether he wants to leave or whether he wants to stay."