Stoke defender Danny Higginbotham has no problems should controversial Newcastle midfielder pitch up at the Britannia Stadium. The Potters, along with the likes of Spurs, Everton and West Ham, have all since been linked with a free-transfer move for the 27 year old, who only has a year left on his St James' Park contract.
"I don't know about the manager's plans but I do know that Joey Barton is a very good player," Higginbotham told the People.
"People say you should not take things into your own hands - but I know Joey is one of those players who is awful to play against because he is always in the thick of it.
"Joey is a good player and he is what he is. I think if you took that away from him, he wouldn't be the player he is.
"I don't know whether he is coming here but he is a good player - and every club wants good players."
