The agent of Joey Barton believes he will stay long-term with Newcastle United - if owner Mike Ashley leaves.
Barton has refused to consider signing a new contract with Toon and has been linked with Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Asked if there was any possibility of a resolution of the deadlock, Willie McKay told BBC Radio Newcastle: "The only reason Joey will stay at Newcastle [beyond next season], I think, is if there are new owners, to be perfectly honest.
"Obviously, they [Newcastle] are in a situation where they will be looking for somebody to come in for Joey and offer him a contract, but at the end of the day, it might not be the right club.
"Joey is quite strong-minded and I think he will stay at Newcastle for next season.
"At the end of the day, Joey likes it at Newcastle and he will probably just run his contract out.
"Obviously, we need to look for something for Joey in January, and that's where we are."
McKay confirmed that Barton was looking for a four-year deal, but was prepared to take a pay-cut, although the two parties were unable to reach agreement on that basis in January.
He said: "He wanted a four-year contract which would see him right through his best years. He was happy to take a four-year deal and less money."
