Aston Villa to press ahead with move for Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton

Aston Villa are ready to step uptheir interest in Newcastlemidfielder Joey Barton. Manager Gerard Houllier hadreservations about bringing the28-year-old to the club and iswary of a backlash from fans overhis reputation, but he isdesperate to add some steel tohis midfield and wants playerswith Premier League experience. Houllier's backroomstaff areencouraging him tomove for Barton, confidentthey can channel hisaggression. Target: Joey Barton is wanted by Aston Villa Theywere impressed byBarton in his performanceagainst Manchester City onBoxing Day when he playedagainst doctor's orders followinga bout of flu, and Houllier ispondering a bid. Newcastle manager Alan Pardewwants to keep Barton and willconsider offering a new contractbut Villa are ready to backHoullier once he defines histargets. We're in a real mess: Villa winger Albrighton admits fears over poor formMancini wants Carroll service forcing Wolfsburg to lower Dzeko demandsDefender Taylor signs new five-and-a-half year deal at Newcastle Explore more:People: Gerard Houllier, Joey Barton Places: Newcastle

Source: Daily_Mail