Newcastle keen to keep Barton

Barton has been strongly linked with a move to West Ham United in recent days.

“He is a big part of my plans,” Pardew said of Barton. “I am going to speak to Joey because there is no doubt this season has been a real turnaround for him.

“He still has that hot streak he showed the other day, but his performances have been excellent. He has been one of the top three players of the season.”