Joey Barton Transfer: Liverpool, Manchester Utd, Arsenal, Spurs Amongst Suitors

Joey Barton's agent Willie McKay says six clubs have already enquired about signing the midfielder, after he was made available on a free transfer by Newcastle United.

McKay says he's been "inundated with interest" in the wake of Newcastle's decision to cut their losses and let Barton leave after four years at St. James' Park.

After contract negotiations stalled, Barton's agent was called on Sunday night by Newcastle's managing director Derek Llambias and told his player was free to leave.

Barton reacted to Newcastle's decision on his Twitter account, writing, "somewhere in those high echelons of NUFC, they have decided, I am persona non grata."

He has since added that Newcastle had him train alone today and have fined him two weeks' wages.

So where next for the troubled but talented midfielder?

Manchester United

Who better than Sir Alex Ferguson to put an arm around Barton and channel all that snarling intensity?

He did it with Roy Keane and Eric Cantona, and he could do it with Barton. Whether United make a move or not could of course depend on how things unfold in the Wesley Sneijder situation.

Arsenal

With the possible departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri on the horizon, Arsenal could well be in need of some midfield reinforcements.

Barton would represent exactly the kind of battle-hardened, tough-tackling central presence they've lacked in recent seasons and could be just the man to give Jack Wilshere some protection.

Tottenham

If Metro.co.uk are to be believed, Tottenham have stolen a march on the competition by "instigating the first talks" with Barton.

Spurs are said to be "very interested" in the midfielder, especially with Harry Redknapp looking to have missed out on Scott Parker and Juan Mata.

Stoke City

According to Sky Sports, Stoke are one of three clubs to have made an enquiry into Barton's availability.

Arsenal and Tottenham are the other two, and likely to be preferred choices for the 28-year-old.

That said, Stoke's participation in the Europa League and the fact they're based closer to his current home could have influence.

West Ham

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce knows Barton well from his time at Newcastle—after all, he was the man who signed him.

He also has a squad that now includes Kevin Nolan, the man Barton said he was "devastated" to see leave Newcastle recently.

Barton and Allardyce share a mutual respect that could yet see the pair reunited in the Championship.

Liverpool

Haven't Liverpool already got too many midfielders to deal with?

Perhaps, but with Steven Gerrard out until early September, Kenny Dalglish could well be looking for a man with the same kind of experience and dynamism to get his pack firing.

Like Sir Alex Ferguson, King Kenny could have just the touch Barton needs to unlock his true potential.