Monday, August 1, 2011

Football Digest: Joey Barton Told he Can Leave Newcastle; Valencia New Deal

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Joey Barton, Newcastle United, Atson Villa, Villa Park, April 10, 2011Barton Told to Get Out of Toon:
Newcastle have finally run out of patience with Joey Barton and told the outspoken midfielder he can leave St James' Park on a free transfer.

Relations between the club and the player have been strained after contract talks broke down earlier this summer.

But Barton appears to have talked himself into further trouble after using his Twitter account to vent his frustration.

The former Manchester City midfielder, signed for £5.7 million in 2007, hinted at widespread dressing room discontent at the way the club is being run while warning of an impending relegation battle.

And in a statement released on www.nufc.co.uk, the club hit back and said: "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."

Newcastle clearly feel Barton, who has hit the headlines for the wrong reasons during his career, is a disruptive influence and is being offered up for nothing after finding no suitors willing to match their asking price.

The whole episode is the last thing Alan Pardew needed in a pre-season that has hardly gone to plan.

The Newcastle manager has struggled to attract new players, is facing a losing battle to keep the wantaway Jose Enrique and has already seen ex-captain Kevin Nolan leave for West Ham.

Valencia Signs New Contract at Old Trafford:
Sir Alex Ferguson has made it clear that Antonio Valencia remains part of his plans after the winger signed a new four-year deal at Old Trafford.

Valencia, who starred on his return at the end of the season from a five-month absence from an ankle injury, faces fresh competition for his place following the summer signing of Ashley Young.

But the Ecuadorian has penned a deal to the end of the 2014/15 season to underline his value to the Manchester United manager.

"Antonio has made a fantastic contribution since his arrival. His speed, crossing ability and versatility have been a big asset for us," said Ferguson.

"He has a quiet, unassuming way of going about his business, which is underlined by great strength of character - as his recovery from such a bad injury last season proves."

Valencia added: "I am delighted to stay at United. Since my first day at Carrington, I have been happy here. I hope that I can continue to develop as a player.

"I am looking forward to making my contribution to helping this squad compete for more trophies."

Swansea Set to Tie Up Double Swoop:
Premier League new boys Swansea are set to tie up moves for Wayne Routledge and Leroy Lita within 24 hours.

The Swans have agreed terms with the pair as manager Brendan Rodgers bolsters his attacking options ahead of the start of the new season.

Routledge, who is poised to arrive from Newcastle for £1.8 million, will joined by the arrival of Lita from Middlesbrough in a deal rising to £1.75 million.

"We think both players would fit into our style and excite our supporters," said Rodgers.

Rodgers is still after a new goalkeeper to replace Dorus de Vries, but he is ready to turn his attentions elsewhere after giving up the chase for Nottingham Forest's Lee Camp.

 

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/08/01/football-digest-joey-barton-told-he-can-leave-newcastle-valenc/

Eduardo Da Silva

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