West Ham ponder £3m Joey Barton bid after mentor Chris Hughton's sacking at Newcastle

10 December 2010 00:15
West Ham are considering a move for Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton.[LNB]The one-time England international has been enjoying a renaissance in his controversial career with former manager Chris Hughton utilising him as a right-sided midfielder.[LNB]The 28-year-old has been credited with playing a pivotal role in Andy Carroll's emergence and was sorely missed last Sunday when a groin injury kept him out of Hughton's last match - a 3-1 defeat to West Brom.[LNB]Although Barton's bad side came out again against Blackburn last month when he punched Morten Gamst Pedersen, he has generally impressed coaching staff and teammates with his efforts to change his ways. [LNB] Enlarge Shock wave: West Ham are considering a bid for Barton[LNB] [LNB]But his performances on the park have impressed further. He was outstanding in Newcastle's 2-1 victory at West Ham and that has led them to consider a £3million bid for a player who has 18 months left on contract. Three other Premier League sides are also interested.[LNB]Meanwhile, Newcastle are interested in former Manchester City misfit Valeri Bojinov. [LNB]Club scouts have been watching the Bulgarian striker at Parma. The 24-year-old endured an injury-plagued spell at City then fell victim to the raft of changes made at the club following Sven Goran Eriksson's departure.[LNB] Alan Pardew confirmed as Newcastle boss with whopping five-and-a-half year contractGazza avoids jail as legend escapes with suspended drink-driving sentenceNEWCASTLE UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail