LONDON, December 23 – Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has dismissed talk of a transfer window move away from the north-east side next month, saying he would happily see out his career at St James' Park.
The 28-year-old midfielder, out of contract at the end of next season, has been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Aston Villa and West Ham.
But Barton, who arrived at Newcastle in a 5.8 million pounds (8.9 million dollars) move from Manchester City in June 2007 told BBC Radio Five Live on Wednesday: "I was actually laughing about it this morning.
"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.
"Nothing has happened and no-one has told me otherwise, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s what’s going to happen."
His remarks came hours after manager Alan Pardew insisted neither Barton nor striker Andy Carroll, reportedly a 20 million pounds January target for Tottenham Hotspur, were for sale.
"I don’t want anyone to go," Pardew said. "I’m quite happy with the squad.
"Maybe I would like to add an additional couple of players to push the team and just strengthen us as a group.
"But the starting XI is a strong starting XI and it would be difficult to find somebody to go in there at this time.
"I don’t want to upset the balance they have and the spirit they have, so I’m doing my utmost to make sure the players we do have here want to play for Newcastle."
The Magpies, who saw Pardew recently replace the sacked Chris Hughton, are currently eighth in the table — six points above the relegation zone.
