The Daily Mail is suggesting that Gerard Houllier wants the 28-year-old at Villa Park as he tries to turn around their worrying form and will offer Nigel Reo-Coker plus some cash in an effort to tempt Newcastle into a deal.
I very much doubt, and I very much hope, that there is nothing in this, and the fact that it is printed in the Daily Mail makes me lean towards that conclusion, but as Jay Jay wrote the other day, the fact that Barton, amongst other players, is performing so well is bound to attract some interest.
Interestingly, in the very same Daily Mail article, which you can read here by the way, it is also stated that Barton has opened talks over a new contract with Newcastle.
Now it would be foolish to believe that after disregarding the rest of the article, so I’m willing to pretty much disregard that. Rather predictably though, Barton’s agent, Willie McKay, was not too far away and made this comment on the whole thing.
“A lot of clubs have shown interest but Joey is very happy at Newcastle,” said McKay. “His ambition is to play for England again and he should do as he is the best midfielder in the country at the moment.”
It is true, and McKay did say that, but what the Daily Mail forget to mention is that he said much the same thing when there were rumours linking Barton with West Ham a few weeks back. Alomost identical in fact. Surely not? Surely not the Daily Mail reusing a quote to give a story more validity?
Unfortunately, that fact will probably get overlooked as more sites jump on the bandwagon of Joey Barton being sold and how it must be true because there is a quote. We’ll see who is right, but I wouldn’t bet against myself on this occasion.
The fact of the matter, like a lot of our players, Barton enjoys it at Newcastle. He quite often says that he has an affinity with the club and the fans after they stuck by him through some very troublesome times. Add to that the fact that he is probably our best performer at the minute and has demonstrated his ability under his new manager will more than likely mean that a January deal for Barton will be well wide of the mark.
At least I hope so anyway….
ILM -“Any player who lunges at an opponent when challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force and endangering the safety of an opponent, is guilty of serious foul play.”
I think the escape clause is the term “at” Tiote lunged but alongside – only going for the ball when he knew he could get it – making it in control also.
Maybe I am biased though 🙂
Stardust(Quote)
a say wait for Villa to get relegated and sign Nathan Delfouneso/Agbonglahor/Albrighton
GeordieToon89(Quote)
Selling Barton would be suicidal. It can’t happen. He’s been immense this year and is surely forcing his way back into the England squad. Maybe £10m+ would be something we couldn’t refuse though… Especially bearing in mind how close we came to sacking/releasing him after some of his misdemeanours. I’m a big fan of his though and would love him to stay for years provided he behaves himself and plays well.
Villa being relegated would be good alright. Agbonlahor would be perfect to play off AC. Wouldn’t say no to Downing either 😉
kweeveen(Quote)
😆 as if Joey would want to leave us to go to them 😆
I must say love the change in attitude towards Joey know compared to a yr back when he was villian to most of our own fans 😉
Big Dave(Quote)