Joey Barton

West Ham United are interested in taking Joey Barton to Upton Park, according to tabloid reports.

Barton – who once wore the href=”http://www.football-shirts.co.uk/fans/official-manchester-city-201112-away-kit_11602″> Manchester City Away strip with pride – was made available for transfer by Newcastle earlier on this month, following comments he made on Twitter.

Hammers boss, Sam Allardyce is keen to add the midfielder to his squad, with Barton and current West Ham player, Kevin Nolan having played so well together for Newcastle.

Barton publically criticised the Magpies’ board when they allowed Nolan to leave the club, but now may well be heading in the same direction.

Following Nolan’s switch, Barton tweeted: “Great player, leader, captain, person, trainer and mostly a friend for life.”

However, the former Manchester City man has hinted that he may well be prepared to stay at Newcastle, despite being made available.

But Barton, who is believed to be on a contract worth 80,000-per-week, could well be persuaded to change his mind for the opportunity to be reunited with Nolan.

Barton already owns a house in the Suffolk town of Newmarket, which is not far from the West Ham training ground.

It would be no surprise if Barton was to move on before the end of the transfer window, with Stoke City, Aston Villa and Manchester United all having been linked with moves.

As for West Ham; they have invested heavily this season, in a bid to return to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Having done well to hold on to some of their top stars, including Scott Parker, Carlton Cole and Robert Green, the Hammers have added to their squad.

Nolan has been joined at Upton Park by the likes of Matt Taylor and John Carew who both have vast Premier League experience.

Should Barton complete a move to West Ham, a move for Scott Parker could be back on, although as yet, no club has met the Hammers’ £8 million valuation of the England international.