Barton in QPR talks

Newcastle United have given Joey Barton permission to open talks with QPR over a possible free transfer to the London club.

It is understood the London club have made an approach for the 28 year-old, who is in the final year of his contract at St James’ Park, and have been told they can talk to the player.

Renown for his bad temper: Joey Barton

Despite being a key figure in both of Newcastle’s opening fixtures against Arsenal and Sunderland and being signalled as an important man for the season by manager Alan Pardew, owner Mike Ashley is seemingly sticking by his guns and is allowing the player to leave for nothing to anyone who would be willing to take him.

The former Manchester City man’s career has been plagued by controversy and he served a 77-day prison sentence in 2008 after being convicted of assault.

But despite his misdemeanours on and off the pitch, Barton has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent midfielders and QPR boss Neil Warnock is keen to add the midfielder to his squad as the Rs look to survive their first season back in the top flight since 1996.

He joined the club for £5.8 million from Manchester City in June 2007, and had looked close to signing a new deal in January but talks stalled following Andy Carroll’s departure for Liverpool.

The contract on the table then has since been withdrawn and the player has been told he will not be offered another.

The Hoops are keen on another midfield addition and have apparently already made a £5million bid for Parker, from West Ham United.

Scott Parker’s protracted move back to the Premier League is being hampered by the ill feeling between West Ham’s co-owners and the two London clubs who want to buy him.

Both QPR and Tottenham have crossed swords with David Gold and David Sullivan, with those previous feuds looking set to harm the Premier League sides’ hopes of signing the England international.

Parker has been told by the Three Lions camp that Fabio Capello believes his chances of cementing a place in England’s Euro 2012 squad would be enhanced by a move back to the top flight, and Spurs and QPR have been hot on his tail.

Tags: Joey Barton, Neil Warnock, Newcastle United, QPR, Scott Parker, The Hoops, West Ham United