Barton laughs off exit talk
Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has laughed off speculation he could leave the club next month and insisted he would be happy to see out his career on Tyneside.
The 28-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of next season, has been linked with both West Ham and Aston Villa in recent days, with some reports suggesting he could be available for as little as £1.5m.
But Barton, who joined the Magpies in a £5.8million switch from Manchester City in June 2007, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “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.
“People write what they write, it is silly season. I have always gone on record about the affinity I have got with the fans at this football club, and the football club and my fellow players.
“I have been on record as saying I want to stay here for the rest of my career. Nothing has happened and no-one has told me otherwise, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s what’s going to happen.”
Barton’s comments came hours after manager Alan Pardew insisted neither he nor striker Andy Carroll, reportedly a £20m January target for Tottenham, are for sale.
He said: “I don’t want anyone to go. I’m quite happy with the squad. Maybe I would like to add an additional couple of players to push the team and just strengthen us as a group.
“But the starting XI is a strong starting XI and it would be difficult to find somebody to go in there at this time.
“I don’t want to upset the balance they have and the spirit they have, so I’m doing my utmost to make sure the players we do have here want to play for Newcastle.”
