Newcastle: Joey Barton can leave for free

Newcastle have announced that Joey Barton will be leaving the club on a free transfer.

The midfielder had been linked with a move away from St James' Park throughout the summer after criticising the club via his Twitter account.

The 28-year-old met with Newcastle officials on Monday morning and the club released a statement later that day.

"The player has been advised that he can leave the club on a free transfer," read a statement.

Barton responded to the statement by 'Tweeting': "Somewhere in those high echelons of NUFC, they have decided, I am persona non grata."

Barton had recently voiced his displeasure at supposed dressing room unrest at Newcastle and the recent sale of Kevin Nolan to West Ham.

Arsenal and Aston Villa have been linked with bids for Barton during pre-season, although Tottenham are favourites to sign the former Manchester City player.