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Barton happy to stay at Man City | |
(about 12 hours later) | |
Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton insists he is happy to stay at Eastlands despite Everton's interest. | |
The Toffees have been told Barton is not for sale despite a clause in the 24-year-old's contract allowing him to speak to any club offering City £5.5m. | |
After City beat Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup, Barton said: "I have stated on record I don't want to leave. | |
"I am totally settled. We are going in the right direction and I have got a manager who believes in me." | |
City boss Stuart Pearce welcomed Barton's commitment to the cause, saying: "There is a maturity in that statement that probably wasn't there last year. | |
"Credit to him for speaking out. He has got frustrated and irritated with the speculation. | |
"The main thing as a pro is being happy. All the rest follows. | |
"He is playing extremely well and I mentioned England before Christmas. He is getting better and better. | |
"Joey knows full well he has the backing of a manager that holds him in high esteem." | |
Everton had targeted Barton to strengthen their midfield with boss David Moyes hoping that his lifelong allegiance to the club could tempt him to switch to Goodison Park. | |
Barton's agent Willie McKay had earlier refused to rule out a move, saying the clause in Barton's contract meant he could speak to whoever met the asking price. | |
McKay told BBC Sport: "This is Joey Barton's clause, not Manchester City's and it is a clause they were happy to put in. | |
"If a club offers £5.5m, it is Joey's right to speak to that club if he wants to, or not if he doesn't want to." | "If a club offers £5.5m, it is Joey's right to speak to that club if he wants to, or not if he doesn't want to." |
Moyes hoped to fund the swoop for Barton by off-loading Simon Davies to Fulham in a deal worth around £3m. | |
He confirmed he moved for Barton but revealed: "Manchester City made it clear he was not for sale." | |
Moyes, however, has yet to make a firm offer and if he follows up his inquiry with a bid that triggers the clause in his contract, City will be obliged to allow Barton to consider the deal despite his statement that he wants to stay put. | |
606: DEBATE It would be a good move for Barton, might push his England chances up slightly CWB 606: Have your say | 606: DEBATE It would be a good move for Barton, might push his England chances up slightly CWB 606: Have your say |
Fulham are understood to have offered just over £2m for Davies, who has struggled since his move to Everton from Spurs in May 2005. | Fulham are understood to have offered just over £2m for Davies, who has struggled since his move to Everton from Spurs in May 2005. |
But Fulham boss Chris Coleman, a fellow Welshman, is still an admirer of Davies and is expected to pursue the deal, releasing cash that Everton would use to land Barton. | |
Ironically, Barton was fined £2,000 and warned as to his future conduct after baring his backside at Everton fans following the Premiership match at Goodison Park on 30 September. | Ironically, Barton was fined £2,000 and warned as to his future conduct after baring his backside at Everton fans following the Premiership match at Goodison Park on 30 September. |
City star Barton, who is tipped for an England call-up after impressing coach Steve McClaren, has been linked with Newcastle United but their interest has cooled. | City star Barton, who is tipped for an England call-up after impressing coach Steve McClaren, has been linked with Newcastle United but their interest has cooled. |
Everton currently lie seventh in the Premiership and Moyes has cash at his disposal from the £2.5m sale of Kevin Kilbane to Wigan earlier this season. | Everton currently lie seventh in the Premiership and Moyes has cash at his disposal from the £2.5m sale of Kevin Kilbane to Wigan earlier this season. |
Moyes is also an admirer of 24-year-old Owls defender Bougherra but it is unlikely he will be able to complete both deals if his move for Barton is successful. | Moyes is also an admirer of 24-year-old Owls defender Bougherra but it is unlikely he will be able to complete both deals if his move for Barton is successful. |
Charlton have already had a £1.3m bid for Bougherra rejected. | Charlton have already had a £1.3m bid for Bougherra rejected. |