Source: Daily_Mail
Joey Barton vows to stay at Newcastle as Man United consider bid
Joey Barton insists he wants to stay at Newcastle as Manchester United emerged as the latest club to be linked with the controversial midfielder.[LNB]Arsenal and Aston Villa have shown interest in signing Barton, who is available on the cheap with just one year of his contract remaining.[LNB] Where am I going? Joe Barton's future is up in the air right now[LNB]Barton has so far failed to agree a new deal at St James' Park after rejecting a two-year extension on reduced terms.[LNB]But despite United's reported interest, the former Manchester City man has vowed to stay at Newcastle.[LNB]On Twitter, he wrote: 'Nice to be linked with some big clubs today but I honestly don't want to leave Newcastle. Thanks but no thanks. #unfinishedbusinesshere'[LNB]He then added: 'I will most likely leave Newcastle at end of season, when my contract expires and I am no longer employed. Its out of my hands #iwanttostay?'[LNB] Feisty: Barton is now wanted by several top sides after impressing for Newcastle[LNB] On the hunt: Sir Alex Ferguson[LNB]It is yet to be confirmed whether United's interest is genuine, although they are in need of reinforcements in the middle of the park.[LNB]Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves have both departed, and Darren Fletcher still struggling with the after-effects of the mystery virus he picked up last season.[LNB]Fletcher has missed the tour of the United States and has been placed on an individual conditioning programme after losing a substantial amount of weight.[LNB]Barton would be viewed as a cut-price deal for Ferguson to shore up his options in the short-term, although there are still obvious doubts about his temperament.[LNB]The Liverpool-born midfielder is currently on tour with the reserves in Holland after being a denied a working visa to the US because of his previous criminal convictions.[LNB]Barton is the latest big-name heading for the Newcastle exit after captain Kevin Nolan was sold to Championship side West Ham.[LNB]Andy Carroll joined Liverpool for ?35million in January and Jose Enrique is also expected to leave this summer.[LNB] Barton continues impressive pre-season form as Newcastle recover to beat UtrechtYanks very much! Barton not allowing US run-in disrupt his pre-season preparationMake that three! Cabaye joins Barton and Ranger after being denied visa for Newcastle's US tourAll the latest Newcastle news, features and opinion [LNB]
