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Newcastle-Villa swap on the cards?

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Joey Barton and Nigel Reo-CokerThe Daily Mail is today reporting that Aston Villa are the latest Premier League club to register an interest in Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton and are prepared to offer Nigel Reo-Coker as bait to get their man. Aston Villa Gerard Houllier is in desperate need of a leading figure to revive his side’s fortunes and it appears that he has identified Barton as that man.

Joey Barton has had a fantastic season for Newcastle this year and Alan Pardew is bound to be reluctant to let his star player go. Alongside Andy Carroll, Joey Barton has been Newcastle’s star performer and was the only player to come out of the FA Cup defeat at Stevenage at the weekend with any credit, with his goal giving Newcastle hope for a short time.

However, there have been reports that Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is looking to get Barton off the wage bill at St James’ Park. The 28-year-old is one of Newcastle’s highest earners, and with the form he’s shown this season that is fully deserved. Losing Barton would be a huge blow for Newcastle, and the arrival of Stoke’s Glenn Whelan or Birmingham’s Sebastian Larsson would do little to appease the fans.

For Aston Villa, despite the controversy that follows Joey around, getting Barton would be a huge coup. A player plus cash deal that could see Reo-Coker team up again with his former West Ham manager would also suit the Aston Villa midfielder, who has not had the greatest of times at Villa Park.

Barton’s agent Willie McKay has said: “A lot of clubs have shown interest but Joey is very happy at Newcastle. His ambition is to play for England again and he should do as he is the best midfielder in the country at the moment.” That is hard to argue and is why Newcastle should think twice before letting Barton leave, even if the deal is attractive.

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