Source: Northern_Echo
BREAKING NEWS: Newcastle hand Barton a free transfer
NEWCASTLE United have told controversial midfielder Joey Barton to seek a free transfer away from St James' Park.[LNB] In a surprise move, Magpies officials have placed Barton on the transfer list after he launched a series of Twitter rants at the club's hierarchy.[LNB] Barton can now leave St James' on a free transfer, with a number of Premier League clubs expected to be interested in securing his services.[LNB] A Newcastle United statement released this afternoon said: "Newcastle United can confirm that Joey Barton has been placed on the transfer list today (Monday).[LNB] "The player has been advised that he can leave the club on a free transfer."[LNB] Earlier this morning, Barton had promised to make an announcement on his future on Twitter at 4pm.[LNB] The Liverpudlian yesterday Tweeted a series of cryptic messages hinting at problems behind the scenes at St James'.[LNB] Barton said yesterday: "If only we as players could tell the fans exactly how it is, without them above fining us lots of money. There will be a time and a place."[LNB] He referred to team-mate Jose Enrique's recent fine for critical Tweeting after the Spaniard accused the club of lacking ambition when he added: "If it wouldn't effect team morale and cause unrest within the dressing room, am certain Jose's comments would be the tip of the iceberg.....[LNB] "And again it would be left to those magnificent fans to pick up the remnants of their once great football club. #hadenoughofcertainpeople.[LNB] "If I wanted to leave, I'd just come out and say I want to leave. Things need addressing as am not prepared to go through a relegation again."[LNB] This afternoon he added: "I won't be commenting on situation at Newcastle again, as I feel it helps nobody and serves no purpose. Hope u all understand, only to add barely 30 minutes later: "I will be making an announcement regarding my future, on here at 4pm today........"[LNB] Barton has a year left on his Newcastle contract but claimed recently he had no interest in a move elsewhere.[LNB]
