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Magpies eager to discuss future with Barton

01/07/2008

Newcastle United have said they intend to hold discussions with midfielder Joey Barton over the player's future "at the earliest possible opportunity".

Barton, 25, was today given a four-month suspended sentence for assaulting former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo in a training ground incident last May.

The England international is also currently serving a six-month prison sentence after he was convicted of assault and affray outside a McDonald's restaurant in Liverpool city centre on Boxing Day last year.

Speculation in the media suggests the club are set to sack Barton as a result of the incidents.

But after today's sentencing, Newcastle United released the following brief statement: "Newcastle United notes the sentence passed to Joey Barton at Manchester's Minshull Street crown court today.

"The club now intends to hold discussions with Joey and his representatives at the earliest possible opportunity."