Joey Barton wants to stay but claims Newcastle plan to replace him

Posted Monday, May 30, 2011 by theguardian.com

• Midfielder uses Twitter to question transfer policy
• Contract set to expire next summer at St James' Park

Joey Barton wants to stay but claims Newcastle plan to replace him
Joey Barton wants to remain at Newcastle but claims the club intend to sell him.

Joey Barton claims he wants to stay at Newcastle United but has not been offered a new contract by the club, who he believes want a "younger, better, cheaper player".

The 28-year-old midfielder has one year remaining on his contract at St James' Park, but has been linked with a move away this summer after his agent, Willie McKay, revealed that his client would not be offered a new deal.

Speaking on his Twitter account, Barton said he would remain committed to Newcastle for as long as he is wanted there.

"Finished playing golf, 72 not bad. Came in to questions about joining Everton??? I don't want to leave Newcastle but thanks anyways........" Barton wrote. "I cant sign a contract if am not offered one?"

He then continued on the topic, appearing to mock the club's transfer policy before stopping himself. "I will tell all when the time is right, basically they want a younger, better, cheaper player............cant blame Mike [owner Mike Ashley] and Derek [managing director Derek Llambias] can you?" he said. ".......slight problem is, they dont want to spend any money or pay any wages. Its genius really ha ha.

"I am an employee so have to be careful here. Everyone knows i'd love to stay, i get on with Pardew [manager Alan Pardew] fine and are dressing room is 1st class.

He added: "if am not offered a new contract, my hands are tied. I will continue to do everything in my power to bring a trophy to St James next season."

Barton is considered to have been one of Newcastle's key players last season, being a regular in the side that finished 12th in the Premier League.