Despite his colourful past, the former Manchester City player is highly-regarded as a footballer and has been attracting interest from a host of Premier League clubs.
However, the Evening Chronicle has claimed Liverpool have now become shock contenders to sign a player who is a boyhood fan of arch rivals Everton.
The Anfield club will be without their talismanic midfielder Steven Gerrard until September with the captain suffering from an infection which will keep him out for the beginning of the season.
And manager Kenny Dalglish is reportedly interested in Barton as the ideal cover for Gerrard.
LAST NEWCASTLE FIXTURE:
GATESHEAD 1 NUFC XI 3
Gateshead International Stadium
NEWCASTLE UTD XI (4-5-1): Harper; Richardson, Williamson (Moyo 62), Tavernier, Dummett; R Taylor (Donaldson 78), Smith (Edmundsson 78), Abeid, Vuckic (Airey 88), Ameobi; Ranger. Subs (not used): Soderberg, Inman, Airey, McDermott, Nzuzi
Alan Pardew watched the fixture but he went running as the media tried to get a few words on the Joey Barton saga. Instead he left John Carver to face the press.
It's a case of "passing the buck", as we know for a fact Derek Llambias and Mike Ashley won't be putting us in the picture.
Newcastle's number two swerved questions about outspoken fans' favourite Barton to keep supporters in the dark over the club's reasons for transfer-listing the midfielder.
On the pitch, Kyle Nix put the hosts ahead in the tenth minute, sending Steve Harper the wrong way from the penalty spot after the lively Yemi Odubade was brought down by a combination of defenders James Tavernier and Michael Richardson.
In front of 2,108 at the International Stadium, promising right-back Richardson made amends four minutes later, sending over an inviting cross for Sammy Ameobi to deservedly head Newcastle level with the first of the forward's two goals.
Pardew, who sat rooted to the bench for the entire 90 minutes, saw his side take the lead seven minutes before the interval when Gateshead defender James Curtis diverted Ameobi's low cross into his own net at the near post.
Newcastle weren't without fortune, as Gateshead struck the woodwork three times in the first-half through Nathan Fisher, and Odubade, who was unlucky on two occasions.
Ameobi grabbed his second just before the hour, stabbing home from close range as Gateshead failed to clear Ryan Taylor's corner.
Offer To NU-Mad Fans Continues
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE'
FOR £5.99 (inc post)
*Normal price is £9.99
Although "Magpies In Europe" will not be launched OFFICIALLY until September ... if you want a copy it is available NOW from this website ... and ONLY from this website!
FOREWORD BY FAIRS CUP HERO JOHN McNAMEE
MAGPIES IN EUROPE
Please include your address in a letter and send a cheque (or postal order) for £5.99 payable to Mr K Fletcher, to:
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE', K Fletcher, 5 Dunelm, Sacriston, Co Durham DH7 6NU.
Or contact: Kevnumad@fsmail.net