Bolton Wanderers have made a £2 million bid for Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton.

The Sun says Barton has been linked with Portsmouth but Bolton hope a move back to the North West is more tempting for the Scouser.

Bolton chief Gary Megson knows he cannot stump up a hefty fee AND wages anywhere near the £50,000 a week Barton gets at St James' Park.

Talks have already taken place and Megson believes the Reebok is a better long-term proposition than Pompey.

A move to Pompey could cause trouble as Sylvain Distin was set to give evidence for Ousmane Dabo after Barton was accused of assaulting the Frenchman when they were all at Manchester City.