Joey Barton

Where Joey Barton will be playing next season remains a mystery as the midfielder, who only has a year remaining on his contract with Newcastle, denies rumours that a move to Newcastle could be on the cards.

Barton took to his Twitter page to deny speculation that Sir Alex Ferguson was interested in bringing the 28-year-old to Old Trafford, saying “thanks, but no thanks” to any potential offer that would be forthcoming from the North-West – before revealing he would walk away from St. James’ Park at the end of his contract as a free agent in a years’ time.

“Nice to be linked with some big clubs but I honestly don’t want to leave Newcastle. Thanks but no thanks,” he wrote on the social networking site.

“I will most likely leave Newcastle at end of season, when my contract expires and I am no longer employed. It’s out of my hands.” He added.

Barton employed the same method to spark speculation into life earlier in the summers as Toon boss Alan Pardew let his friend and team-mate Kevin Nolan leave the club after refusing to offer the former Bolton man a five year deal.

Barton took this as a lack of ambition from the club, and insinuated that that decision would herald the departure of a host of key players.

“Great player, leader, captain, person, trainer and mostly a friend for life. Devastated to see him SOLD! #mejoseandjonasnext” he wrote in May.

The talismanic midfielder insisted earlier this summer that he was the finest English midfielder currently on offer to Fabio Capello, although the Euro 2012 odds Euro 2012 betting may go against him, it would appear his bravado has worked in his favour as a host of Premier League clubs reportedly chase his signature.

Despite his at times aggravated relationship with the club, Pardew insists there is no problems from either party and that Barton will be an integral part of the Newcastle side for the forthcoming season.

“I think Joey will be here [next season]. He’s said all along he wants to stay and I want him to stay so there’s no conflict,” Pardew is quoted by the Sun as saying.

“His contract may get resolved but probably not until it runs out. But if he has another season like the last one then he’ll be in the front seat, which is where he wants to be.”