Image rights are proving the stumbling block for Newcastle United as they attempt to find a buyer for Joey Barton.

The Daily Mail says Newcastle's attempts to offload the bad boy are being hampered further by the revelation that the controversial midfielder is paid an additional sum of around £675,000 on top of his £80,000-a-week wages.

Barton is adamant he wants to stay and complete the remaining three years of his contract but Newcastle want him off their wage bill.

He has one of the most lucrative image-rights clauses in the country, and that could put off prospective buyers, if there are any.