Newcastle is place for me, says Barton

Joey Barton has expressed his desire to stay with Newcastle for the remainder of his career.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move away from Tyneside in the January transfer window, though the club were quick to dismiss suggestions he could be allowed to leave for a cut-price 1.5million.

And Barton himself said: "I was laughing about it, saying that I thought 1.5 million was a little bit cheap and if I was them, I would ask for more. We had a good giggle about it.

"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.

"I have been on record as saying I want to stay here for the rest of my career. No one has told me otherwise, and as far as I'm concerned, that's what's going to happen."

Another player looking to secure his long-term future at St James' Park is defender Steven Taylor. Manager Alan Pardew said. "I want to secure Steven because he's a young centre-half, a local lad and he's done great for the club. But if the demands are beyond where he's at in the market place, then we won't be able to do that."