While new signings have dried up at Newcastle of late, it becomes even more important that the Magpies hold onto their ‘better’ players. Joey Barton certainly comes into that category, as the midfielder had his best season at St James’ Park in the last campaign, yet his contract ends next summer and a new deal isn’t in the offing. However, if Newcastle were in any doubt just as to how important Barton was to them last season and will be again this year, then Arsenal and now Manchester United may just have done them a favour.
At the end of last month, I said Arsenal being linked with Barton was possibly one of the most ridiculous rumours ever, due to Arsene Wenger’s apparent disgust of physical players who sometimes go over the top when it comes to sticking the boot in. It would also set up an interesting dressing room with Joey sitting alongside Abou Diaby, who had him by the throat last season. However, it seems it’s not just the Gunners who are taking an interest in Barton, but the current Premier League champions are also sniffing around, too.
The Sunday Times is today reporting that Manchester United are considering putting a bid in for Barton. The same team that have been linked with a £20 million plus bid for 2010 World Cup star Wesley Sneijder, are thought to be lining up a cut price move for the ex-Manchester City player. Sir Alex Ferguson is looking to search out a bargain and at just £2m Barton would be just that, so why in their right mind would the Newcastle hierarchy not do their utmost to tie down a player, who has stated his desire to remain at the club, to a long-term deal?
Obviously, we don’t know how much truth there is in this reported Man United interest in Barton and in turn the Arsenal attraction beforehand, but it should be an indication to Mike Ashley, if one was needed, of how well Joey Barton played in Newcastle’s return to the top flight. If Ashley needed further evidence of Barton’s importance to the Magpies, in addition to the fact that he netted four times last season and was one of the leading assisters in the country, then the interest of two of the Premier League giants should do the trick.
On the pitch Arsenal won’t be doing Newcastle any favours when they meet at St James’ Park on August 13th and neither will Man United later in the season, but with the pair taking a close look at Barton, it should indicate to the Magpies how highly he’s rated within English football right now. Barton’s ego doesn’t really need a boost, but this is sure to do just that. Given his performances on the pitch last season, he has every right to be confident in his ability, too.
At 28 years of age, Joey Barton is in his peak and should be central to the Newcastle effort next season and for a few years after, but that’s all dependent on him being offered a new contract. If two of the biggest clubs in the country showing an interest in Newcastle’s number seven doesn’t prompt them into offering Barton a new deal, then I don’t know what will.
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Pull up a chair, sit back and watch Ashley contrive to cock things up… Barton should be tied down to a new deal. Why are we the only ones to cull players in their late 20s – then take a punt on some unproven foreign import.
didnt hear anything from arsenal about going for barton just made up crap.
Wenger was rumoured to be interested in Barton last month, whether the papers made it up is another matter.
Just seen this on one of the United sites . Imo its press muppetry ,must be a slow news day .