Barton laughs off exit talk

22 December 2010 16:00
Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has laughed off speculation he could leave the club next month and insisted he would be happy to see out his career on Tyneside. The 28-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of next season, has been linked with both West Ham and Aston Villa in recent days, with some reports suggesting he could be available for as little as £1.5million. But Barton, who joined the Magpies in a £5.8million switch from Manchester City in June 2007, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I was actually laughing about it this morning (Wednesday), saying that I thought £1.5million was a little bit cheap and if I was them, I would ask for more, and we had a good giggle about it. "People write what they write, it is silly season. I have always gone on record about the affinity I have got with the fans at this football club, and the football club and my fellow players. "I have been on record as saying I want to stay here for the rest of my career. "Nothing has happened and no-one has told me otherwise, and as far as I'm concerned, that's what's going to happen."

Source: PA