(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton is said to be desperate to stay at the club, despite being suspended for a "stupid" tackle last Sunday which resulted in a red card, thus ending the 26-year-old's season.
Barton, a £5.8 million signing from Manchester City, has had a troubled tenure at St. James' Park following jail sentences for several offences on and off the field, which have been the subject of much scrutiny and controversy for the Liverpool-born player.
The latest incident, a high lunge on Xabi Alonso in last weekend's clash against Liverpool, ensured that Barton was banned for the crucial three games of the season which will determine the Magpies' Premiership status.
Interim manager Alan Shearer was fuming after the sending-off and said out of frustration that Barton "deserved what he got."
Following those comments, reports surfaced of a dressing room bust-up between the 38-year-old and the player where Barton questioned the allegiance of his fellow Magpies and the tactics of Alan Shearer.
Shearer swallowed his pride regarding criticisms of his own failings, but told the 26-year-old that he would not tolerate disruptions to the team, and effectively suspended the player until further notice, with a fine of a maximum two-weeks' wages.
Despite these measures, Barton is understood to be desperate to stay on at the Toon and be a part of United's rebuilding scheme, citing his "debt" to the club and its fans.
Toon chiefs are however ready to let the player go after it emerged that Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield United, and Bolton Wanderers are all interested to take the former England man off Shearer's hands at Newcastle United.
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