Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton insists he wants to stay at the club despite contract concerns

Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton,Newcastle United

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Joey Barton has told Newcastle United that he doesn’t want to leave St. James’ Park but has admitted that he may be forced out of the club when his contract expires next summer.

The former Manchester City man is furious over the sale of Kevin Nolan and has warned that more high-profile players will leave the club in the near future.

However, in an interview with talkSPORT, Barton, who is entering the final year of his contract, spoke of his love for the club and local area but did concede that he may have to look elsewhere in 12 months time to get ensure he receives a long enough deal.

Barton said: “I don’t want to go, but that’s football. The clubs are the ones with the power and we’re just employees. If the football club wants a change of direction then the players are moved on or pushed out.

“I started negotiating with them in January and I decided I would like a bit of longevity and stability. At 28, it’s an important contract for me. My partner is pregnant with our first child and I said I need a bit of stability and to stay in the area for four or five years.

“You don’t want to uproot your kids at that young age, and I was after that. Money was never an issue, I wanted to stay, but we never reached a compromise.

“I believe in my ability and if Newcastle don’t think I’ll play past 29 then more fool them and I’ll go and ply my trade elsewhere.

“I’ll carry on doing my best for Newcastle this season and I’d love to win a trophy. Every player who’s played for Newcastle wants to do that because the fans are second to none and it’s such a passionate place.”

Barton seems likely to leave Tyneside next summer but believes he will play the up-coming season for Newcastle.

He added: “I’d be very surprised if I leave this summer. I’ve had a few phone calls about interest and would I go here, or do that. That’s the nature of the game.

“I don’t want to leave. My family is settled and I Iove living in Newcastle. I’ve got a great working relationship with everyone at the club. I love being there and I’ve got no ambition to leave.

“If someone comes in and offers Champions League football – even I’d signed a five or six year contract at Newcastle – I’d have to consider it. But that’s not the case at the minute.

“So unless someone can offer me the opportunity to play at the next level, and that’s the Champions League, I won’t be leaving the club.”