With Scott Parker looking likely to be returning to London, Sam Allardyce sees Barton as his ideal replacement.
£5.5m For Barton And Geordieland Is His Target
Although Italian giants Roma are thought to be interested in the England international, Barton has told friends he could see the St James' Park fans as the ideal boost for him to get back on track.
The Geordies love nothing more than a touch-tackling 110% player and Barton is just what Big Sam is after.
German side Hamburg and Spanish club Atletico Madrid are also rumoured to be in the hunt for the player, and obviously Europe could be an option for him.
The Geordies love nothing more than a touch-tackling 110% player and Barton is just what Big Sam is after.
German side Hamburg and Spanish club Atletico Madrid are also rumoured to be in the hunt for the player, and obviously Europe could be an option for him.
Barton was arrested for his part in the alleged training-ground altercation with team-mate Ousmane Dabo, and his tumultuous spell at City seems almost certain to come to an end this summer.
Barton has a £5.5million buyout clause in his City contract, but the Sun reports that he has told friends he is considering a move away from the Premiership to help him focus on football again.
But he wants to get back into England boss Steve McClaren's plans, and needs the backing of supporters and a manager who like his no-nonsense style. Newcastle could well be that place.