• Premier League

Pardew confirms rival interest in Barton

ESPN staff
January 18, 2011
Joey Barton has delivered real quality for Newcastle this season © PA Photos
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Just a couple of days after signalling his determination to see out his career at Newcastle, Joey Barton's future at the club has been cast into doubt with Magpies manager Alan Pardew admitting there are clubs hovering over the player.

Barton has resurrected his career at St James' Park and after playing a key role in their promotion to the Premier League, he has shown his class in the top flight this term.

His performances have prompted talk of bids from rival clubs and although Barton said on Saturday he wanted to sign a new deal, Pardew has inferred there is a chance the player could be sold.

"Joey has 18 months left to run and that leaves him vulnerable," Pardew said. "Other clubs are aware of that and they are testing our resolve.

"We hope Joey commits to us because he has been superb, not just as a player but in the group. I want to secure him for a longer period."

Newcastle have been circumspect in the January window and it would appear the days of big spending are over.

"They have had some really, really big disasters here in terms of big transfer fees being paid and not a lot of success out of that," Pardew told The Sun. "Mike obviously understands the game better than he has ever done and we want to buy good young players that can take the club forward."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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