Joey Barton is ready to discuss a new deal with Newcastle United.
Barton has kept a dignified silence on the situation in the last couple of months and simply wants to concentrate on football rather than complicate the situation.
A source close to Barton told the Evening Chronicle: "Joey wants to stay at Newcastle because he is happy here.
"He may be opinionated at times, but he hasn't forgotten what Newcastle did for him during his time at the club, and he's got a lot of respect for all of the staff there, from the manager down.
"There has been talk that he was ready to quit the club, but that couldn't be further from the truth.
"His main priority is to stay here - and always has been.
"Joey has got a great rapport with the Newcastle fans who obviously appreciate his efforts on the pitch, and he wants that relationship to continue."
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