Barton’s deal expires in June 2012. He is prepared to accept a pay cut in return for an extension, and to be part of Pardew's new-look Newcastle.
But it doesn't seem to matter WHAT Pardew wants, as Ashley made it perfectly clear yesterday HE is the boss ... and Pardew does what he is told!
Alan Pardew: "I’m sure the fans are disappointed about the Joey situation but we are trying to take the club forward by signing players.
“I spoke to Joey on the last day (of the season) and I think we were both resigned that this contract was going to be a problem.
“Both of us are thinking next year we’ll be together and we’ll go on from there.
"Unless it changes over the summer and there’s a bid in that the board, myself and Joey feel works for Joey, I think he will be here for the start of the season.
“The thing about contracts is, times change.
“I’m not upset about it.
“I was more upset when we thought we’d agreed and there was a change of heart. I knew it would be a problem to come back from that.
“There was a lot of history between Joey and the board before I arrived.
"I just wanted to be honest with Joey and match him with clarity.
"That’s what I’ve done. I’ve been open and up front with him, I made him the captain (in Kevin Nolan’s absence).
“We decided the best way was probably to wait for the season to end.
"Joey pulled all the way through and he’ll pull next year, even if he’s in his last year, I know he will."