Silvestre turned down the Toon move as he refused to consider playing with Joey Barton after his alleged clash with Dabo, when they were both with Manchester City.

Silvestre told the New York Times: "When I said I wouldn't go to Newcastle because of him, I was surprised by the reaction of people. But for me, it is normal to say what I think. He should not have been allowed to stay in the game for what he did.

"It's hard to make a judgment of someone like Barton, but he needs treatment," Silvestre said. "Now I know I made a good choice by not going there."