Joey Barton is in line to make his Newcastle United debut against former club Manchester City.

The Journal says Sam Allardyce's £5.8m signing fractured the fifth metatarsal in his left foot during his second pre-season appearance in Magpies colours at Carlisle but, having been sidelined ever since, Barton has made significant progress in recent days.

A player who is confident that his time in the treatment room is nearing an end is hoping to be given the go-ahead to resume running next week. That would put Barton in line to make his comeback at Manchester City's Eastlands home - a venue he departed in controversial circumstances this summer.