Aston Villa and West Ham target keen on Newcastle stay

The 28-year-old’s current contract is set to expire in 18 months and the midfielder has recently been linked with the likes of Aston Villa and West Ham.

“I have been on record as saying I want to stay here for the rest of my career,” said Barton.

“Nothing has happened and no-one has told me otherwise, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s what’s going to happen.”

Reports earlier on Wednesday suggested that Newcastle would be prepared to cash in on Barton for as little as £1.5million.

“I was actually laughing about it this morning, saying that I thought £1.5million was a little bit cheap and if I was them, I would ask for more, and we had a good giggle about it,” added Barton.

“People write what they write, it is silly season. I have always gone on record about the affinity I have got with the fans at this football club, and the football club and my fellow players.”