Is there a way back for Barton?

It seems as though the rather wild rumour linking Joey Barton with Manchester United this morning has provoked a response from our No7.

Now first of all let me make clear that Joey Barton to Manchester United is never going to happen and is merely The Times being little tinkers and dreaming up some rather ambitious rumours. I mean Barton is good, great for us in fact, but Manchester United good? Hmmm....

Anyway, Barton has felt the need to once again state that he is intent on staying at Newcastle this coming season stating that he unfinished business at Newcastle and insisting that he still wants to stay at the club.

First off he tweeted this:

“Nice to be linked with some big clubs today but I honestly don't want to leave Newcastle. Thanks but no thanks. #unfinishedbusinesshere”

Which was then closely followed by this:

“I will most likely leave Newcastle at end of season, when my contract expires and I am no longer employed. Its out of my hands #iwanttostay?”

It kind of leaves me wondering whether or not there is still a way back for the former Manchester City man. I mean he has started off this pre-season like a house on fire and is currently scoring at the rate of a goal a game. Grated it's pre-season, but if he can be as influential during the course of this forthcoming season then it can only be a good thing right?

I feel that Joey is about to try and prove a point to the Newcastle hierarchy about just how important he is to the team. Only time will tell if he gets the reward for it in the shape of a new contract, but it does make me think that this is some clever trick to try and get the very best out of Barton. An incentivised contract, the back door way if you like.

I mean surely the management can see how integral he is to the squad? Take all of the little snipes and digs on Twitter away and you are left with a player who wants to stay at the club, wants to give his all, and most importantly, still has a point to prove. Isn't that what they want?

The best thing for al concerned is for the all to sit down again and try to sort something out. Unfortunately the way things appear at the moment that looks a million miles away. Will one, or both sides, cave a little? I doubt it. It's Ashley's way or the highway and Barton is just as determined.

If nothing is sorted then Barton will move on. He'll get another club and carry on with his career. Ashley will get what he wants in the shape of another high-earner off the wagebill, which will just leaves us - the fans - being the ones that lose out.

Again!