Newcastle confirm Barton can leave on free transfer

Newcastle United are ready to let Joey Barton go for NOTHING - in shock news that has put both Arsenal and Tottenham on red alert.

Barton slammed the Toon's ambition after an unhappy pre-season and now the Geordies heirarchy are set to announce they will let him go immediately and without a fee.

The straight-talking Scouser has one year left on his £60,000-a-week contract, but now Newcastle are poised to end his stay after top-level reaction to his comments and current mood.

The Toon were willing to sell Barton for a low fee after he was told his deal would not be extended, but now they are taking the ultimate stance and clearing the way for him to go for free.

Barton has been quietly simmering since being snubbed as captain after his close pal Kevin Nolan left to join West Ham United in a surprise sale.

Now Jose Enrique may be sold too and Barton has hit out at the Newcastle money men - who have the cash from Andy Carroll's record move but have not fully spent the windfall.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been considering Barton as a steely new addition to his midfield while Spurs chief Harry Redknapp is also a secret admirer. Both could afford his wages if there was no transfer fee.

Barton has just announced he is to become a dad and is settled off the pitch, with his interest in horse racing giving him a major diversion.

A move to London - and joining a top club - would definitely appeal to the one-time firebrand. And one of the shock moves of the summer is on the cards.

Barton hinted to his Twitter followers that he would reveal the news on the site this afternoon.

He posted: "I will be making an announcement regarding my future, on here at 4pm today........"

The club confirmed the news this afternoon with a short statement on their website.

It read: "Newcastle United can confirm that Joey Barton has been placed on the transfer list today (Monday).

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

Barton's promised tweet arrived 55 minutes later than expected, with him confirming the news and expressing his pride at having worn the club's shirt, while also getting in another dig at the owners.

He said: "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 B+W stripes, surpasses that.

"One day the board might realise, what the shirt signifies. HONOUR and PRIDE. Thanks for your continued support........... £toonarmy."

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