Joey Barton's agent has revealed his shock that Newcastle are willing to let the midfielder leave for nothing.
McKay does not expect a lack of interest in midfielder
Joey Barton's agent has revealed his shock that Newcastle are willing to let the midfielder leave for nothing.
Barton was placed on the transfer list by Newcastle on Monday afternoon after months of speculation over his future on Tyneside.
Relations between Barton and the Newcastle board have been strained for some time after the club decided to end contract talks with the 28-year-old earlier this summer.
Barton is entering the final year of his contract and despite expressing his desire to stay at St James' Park, the club have taken the shock decision to let the midfielder leave for free.
Prize asset
Barton joined Newcastle in 2007 from Manchester City and enjoyed his best season for the club last term, scoring four goals and creating nine as he won the club's player of the season award.
Barton's agent, Willie McKay, admits he is shocked by Newcastle's stance that they are willing to let their prize asset leave for nothing.
"I was obviously shocked to learn Newcastle are letting Joey go and even more shocked they are letting him go on a free transfer," McKay told
skysports.com.
"Joey is approaching the prime of his career and he has just come off his best season for the club and he was pivotal in the success of Andy Carroll after creating so many of his goals.
"There will be no shortage of takers for Joey, especially now he is available for free and we will hopefully sort something out soon."
