Source: FOOTYMAD
Ashley And Barton Have A History!
Newcastle have allegedly put a £6m price tag on Joey Barton. Why would we want to sell one of our best players? Because Mike Ashley and Barton have a past history. Aston Villa appear unlikely to sign Barton after being put off by the player's wage demands and Newcastle United's asking price. And it is Barton's wage demands at Newcastle that have long been a problem for the Toon owner. When Barton was jailed, Ashley had the chance to chalk off his contract and leave him with without a wage ... and that was very tempting because Barton refused to take a wage cut for his time in nick. Ashley offered him £30,000 per week ... but Barton insisted on the full £60,000. It came to loggerheads between Ashley and then manager Kevin Keegan, because KK wanted to keep the player. How close Ashley came to dumping the midfielder - we will never know - but Keegan and Ashley soon parted ways. Gérard Houllier was keen on taking Barton to Anfield during his time in charge of Liverpool and has revived his interest in the midfielder since taking over at Villa. Barton, however, is earning £67,000 per week at St James' Park and Villa won't touch him on those terms. Barton has less than 18 months remaining on his contract and Ashley would take £6m for him.
