Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has revealed that he would be happy to keep Joey Barton at the club despite the player’s ongoing negotiations with Queens Park Rangers.
The 28-year-old told his Twitter followers that he was having a medical with the newly-promoted Premier League side.
Despite considering the London club’s offer, the midfielder has admitted that he is undecided on where his future lies.
"I think that's where Joey is if I'm honest. I don't think I can add to that,” Pardew told reporters. "He knows he can come back here and we'll take care of him.
"I think he trusts me as a manager. He trusts the staff here and has a bond with the players.
"At the same time he's got an offer that is making him think to go elsewhere."
Meanwhile, Newcastle progress to the third round of the Carling Cup after victory over Scunthorpe in extra time.