Barton free to leave

Newcastle United have made Joey Barton available on a free transfer after placing the midfielder on the transfer list.

The 28-year-old has just a year left on his current deal, and he has been unable to agree fresh terms with the club.

Barton has also been left disappointed by the Magpies' transfer policy and has criticised them heavily on his Twitter account.

Now Newcastle have decided that his future does lie away from Tyneside and have made him available on a free transfer.

A club statement 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 was due to make an announcement at 4pm on his future, but Newcastle have now confirmed he is free to go.

The England cap joined Newcastle in 2007 from Manchester City and has gone on to make 79 league appearances for the club.