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Newcastle won't offer Joey Barton new contract

Joey Barton has one year remaining on his current deal © Getty Images

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Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton will not be offered a new contract by the Magpies when his current deal expires next year, according to his agent Willie McKay.

Barton, 28, arrived at St James' Park in 2007 from Manchester City but his time on Tyneside has been tumultuous.

The tenacious midfielder has found himself in trouble on and off the pitch, and served a 77-day prison sentence in 2009 for an assault he committed on a night out in Liverpool.

His 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons were blighted by injuries and suspensions, but he emerged as one of the Magpies' key players in the recent campaign - playing 32 games and contributing four goals and nine assists.

Barton's temperament remains questionable at times, but he appears to have matured significantly over the past 18 months and Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has regularly stated his desire to tie the Liverpool-born player down to a new contract.

However, Barton's agent McKay said on Wednesday: "I had a meeting with Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias and club secretary Lee Charnley and they have indicated Joey will not be offered a new contract.

"Joey will continue to be a Newcastle player next season and then he will leave on a free transfer at the end of his contract. Joey would have loved to have extended his stay at Newcastle, but unfortunately it is not to be," he told Sky Sports.

"Joey has loved his time at Newcastle and nothing will change his commitment for the club next season. Obviously we will be monitoring the situation next January to try and find a new club for Joey as he can speak to clubs from abroad in January.''

The news will come as a massive blow to Magpies fans who had hoped to see Barton, skipper Kevin Nolan and Spanish full-back Jose Enrique commit their futures to the club to maintain the foundation they have established back in the top flight.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.