Newcastle United place Joey Barton on transfer list

Newcastle have confirmed that midfielder Joey Barton is free to leave the club this summer.

The 28-year-old was rumoured to be leaving Tyneside at the beginning of the transfer window but insisted that his desire was to remain at the club.

Despite his claims, the club have not offered a new contract to the Liverpool-born player, who has one year left on his current contract.

Barton recently expressed his disappointment at the Magpies’ transfer policy on his personal Twitter account.

Newcastle released the following statement on the club website: “Newcastle United can confirm that Joey Barton has been placed on the transfer list today. The player has been advised that he can leave the club on a free transfer.”

Shortly after the announcement, Barton posted on his Twitter account: “Somewhere in those high echelons of NUFC, they have decided, I am persona non grata. I am on a free but the honour of wearing those black and white stripes surpasses that.

“One day the board might realise what the shirt signifies – honour and pride. Thanks for your continued support.”

The midfielder was previously linked with Premier League outfit Arsenal.