Barton wants to stay at Newcastle

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton is eager to stay with the club following their relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

The former Manchester City player was told to stay away from Newcastle's training ground in the wake of their 3-0 defeat at Liverpool late in the season, after he was red-carded.

He was also understood to have been embroiled in a row with manager Alan Shearer in the dressing room afterwards.

But Barton, who has served a jail sentence during his Newcastle career after admitting charges of common assault and affray, wants to stay on Tyneside.

If Shearer takes the job on a permanent basis, however, Barton's spell in the north east could soon be over.

Barton told The Chronicle: "I don't know what is going to happen with the club or with the manager situation.

"I'm just looking forward to going back and my intention is to stay at the club and help Newcastle back into the Premier League.

"If Alan Shearer takes the job and if he doesn't want me then my hands are tied. All I can do is try and get as fit as possible, but I have got to prepare for all eventualities."