Source: Daily_Mail
Joey Barton laughs off Newcastle exit talk
Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has laughed off the prospect of him leaving the club next month and insisted he would be happy to see out his career on Tyneside.[LNB]The 28-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of next season, is wanted by West Ham and has also been linked with Aston Villa in recent days.[LNB]It is understood he could be available for as little as £1.5million, but Barton - who joined the Magpies in a £5.8m switch from Manchester City in June 2007 - said: 'I was actually laughing about it this morning, saying that I thought £1.5m was a little bit cheap and if I was them, I would ask for more, and we had a good giggle about it.[LNB] I'm going nowhere! Joey Barton insists he has no intention of leaving Newcastle[LNB]'People write what they write, it is silly season. I have alwaysgone on record about the affinity I have got with the fans at thisfootball club, and the football club and my fellow players.[LNB]'I have been on record as saying I want to stay here for the rest of my career.[LNB]'Nothing has happened and no-one has told me otherwise, and as far as I'm concerned, that's what's going to happen.'[LNB]Barton's comments came hours after manager Alan Pardew insistedneither he nor striker Andy Carroll, a £20m-rated target on Tottenhamand Chelsea's radar, are for sale.[LNB]He said: 'I don't want anyone to go. I'm quite happy with the squad.[LNB]'Maybe I would like to add an additional couple of players to push the team and just strengthen us as a group.[LNB]'But the starting XI is a strong starting XI and it would be difficult to find somebody to go in there at this time.[LNB]'I don't want to upset the balance they have and the spirit theyhave, so I'm doing my utmost to make sure the players we do have herewant to play for Newcastle.'[LNB] [LNB] Barton set for Toon stay as Pardew reveals he won't sell to West HamNorthern Exposure: Barton, from villain to the man Newcastle can't loseNEWCASTLE FC
