Birmingham inquire about season-long loan deal for Newcastle's Barton

Jul 4 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

BLUES have inquired about taking Newcastle United’s Joey Barton on a season-long loan.

The controversial Barton was discussed by Alex McLeish and the board among a host of possible midfield recruits, and it was decided to sound Newcastle out.

The 26-year-old’s sullied reputation, huge wages and a potential backlash by supporters have all been apparently factored into the equation.

Should a loan arrangement be struck, it would put paid to Armand Traore arriving at St Andrew’s from Arsenal.

The defender or midfielder has been targeted to strengthen Blues left-hand side.

Only two domestic loans are allowed in the Premier League and Blues have already taken Joe Hart from Manchester City for the season.

Barton only came into the picture recently for Blues after McLeish and the board continued to draw blanks elsewhere.

Although of questionable character – his list of misdemeanours is long – Barton is undoubtedly a talented footballer, with the kind of quality and drive McLeish often talks about.

But he would also have to be confident in his own man-management skills to ensure that if a platform was given to Barton, it didn’t end up crashing down amid more controversy.

It would be a surprise if Newcastle didn’t show willingness to broker a deal, with a view to a permanent transfer.

Barton had a bust-up with Alan Shearer after his red card in the 3-0 defeat by Liverpool in May that pushed Newcastle further towards relegation and ruled him out of their crucial remaining games.

Barton was subsequently banned indefinitely from the club but due to Shearer’s uncertain situation caused by Mike Ashley’s decision to sell Newcastle, he has been given a reprieve and reported back for pre-season this week.

Barton draws a salary of £64,000 and Newcastle are desperate to reduce a massive wage bill now they are a Championship side, and his exit would more than likely suit both parties.

Former England international Barton cost Newcastle £5.8 million from Manchester City in July 2007.

Patrick Vieira remains on Blues radar also, but the chances of the French ace signing remain slim.

The Internazionale midfielder’s agent sparked suggestions that Blues might, after all, end up as his destination before the close season is out.

Blues have left a £90,000-a-week offer for the 33-year-old on the table.

Vieira told Blues that he was not keen to join.

Paris St Germain wanted him, but coach Antoine Kombouare admitted this week that they couldn’t afford his salary.

Roland Courbis, Vieira’s agent, said: “By now, Patrick is on his way out of Inter. He would have to take a big pay cut to return to France, or we have an offer from Qatar, but in this case he would miss the World Cup.

“I’m waiting for a middle way, which we could get from England.”

Blues, meanwhile, have again been linked with Iceland defender Solvi Ottesen, who plays for Sonderjyste in Denmark.

Celtic are also said to be keen and his agent, Gulli Tomasson, said: “I am pretty sure something will happen for Ottesen during the transfer window.

“It is no secret that English and Scottish clubs have been eyeing him. He is also interesting top Danish clubs.”