Image:Barton: Thinking over his future but Pardew says he would be happy for the midfielder to stay
Alan Pardew says Joey Barton will be happily welcomed back at Newcastle if the midfielder decides against a move to QPR.
Magpies boss says he would happily welcome midfielder back
Alan Pardew says Joey Barton will be happily welcomed back at Newcastle United if the midfielder decides against a move to Queens Park Rangers.
Barton is on the transfer list at St James' Park and Newcastle are prepared to let the 28-year-old leave on a free before next week's deadline.
The England cap has been linked with several clubs and has spent the past couple of days discussing a possible switch to QPR.
He has undergone a medical with the Premier League new boys, but has yet to make a decision on whether to join Neil Warnock's side.
Barton has tweeted that he needs "some thinking time and space" regarding the situation and Pardew is happy to wait for the player to decide.
"I think that's where Joey is if I'm honest. I don't think I can add to that," said Pardew after Newcastle's Carling Cup win over Scunthorpe United.
"He knows he can come back here and we'll take care of him.
"I think he trusts me as a manager. He trusts the staff here and has a bond with the players.
"At the same time he's got an offer that is making him think to go elsewhere."
