Warnock will attempt to cash in
Neil Warnock will attempt to cash in on the recent uncertainty at St. James’ Park by placing a £2m bid for Joey Barton. Despite allegedly placing a £4m price tag on Barton’s head, owner Mike Ashley is willing to listen to any offers to avoid the player leaving for free next summer.
Barton has had a fine season for Newcastle. With his well-documented problems of temperament for the most part under wraps despite some harsh treatment at times, Barton’s excellent crossing ability laid the platform for a successful start to the season for the Magpies with Andy Carroll heading home many a fine delivery.
However, things have turned sour of late as owner Ashley has refused to renegotiate Barton’s contract. This demonstrates what an utter clown the man is. For someone who originally presented himself as a true fan, Ashley couldn’t be more out of touch as the majority of Newcastle fans would be loathe to see Barton leave.
They respect the hard work he puts in, the way in which he has turned his career around and developed into an essential team member and someone who will always provide chances for the strikers.
QPR boss Warnock is desperate for reinforcements however despite winning the Championship. Having tasted relegation once with his old club Sheffield United, he knows that he must invest in order to survive. Resigned to losing moody play-maker Adel Taarabt, Warnock knows he must find creative midfielders as talents.
A £2m would certainly test the resolve of the foolish Ashley, who, were he to accept the bid, would test the patience of the St. James’ Park faithful. With Newcastle’s transfer policy seemingly moving in the right direction with the recent acquisitions of Yohan Cabaye and Demba Ba, the sale of Barton would be a real kick in the teeth for Newcastle fans, having seen main goalscorers Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan sold this season.
