Ashley Wants Barton Out - Pardew Wants Him In

Alan Pardew says he would welcome back Joey Barton to his squad should the midfielder turn down a move to QPR. The battle of wills continues as Barton is considering a contract offer from the west London club after completing a medical. The outspoken midfielder was placed on a free transfer by Mike Ashley earlier this month after publicly criticising the club on Twitter. But, with the fans and the manager showing their backing to the player . it's only Ashley who has a problem! So far only QPR's interest has led to an offer for Barton, who tweeted last night he needed "some thinking time and space" to ponder the offer. Alan Pardew: "I think that's where Joey is if I'm honest. I don't think I can add to that. "He knows he can come back here and we'll take care of him. "I think he trusts me as a manager. He trusts the staff here and has a bond with the players. "At the same time he's got an offer that is making him think to go elsewhere."

Source: FOOTYMAD