Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew isn't worried about losing Joey Barton this summer.
The influential midfielder admits he is likely to leave St James' Park on a free transfer next summer but Pardew is not letting the situation distract him.
Toon boss Pards said: "I have spoken to Joey over the summer. Unfortunately at the moment there is no new contract for him.
"He has a year remaining and I think he will stay for that year.
"My view of it is quite open-ended. I think, like a lot of players, that yearly term contracts in the Premier League are going to be the norm.
"But who is to say that in a year's time that Joey gets a contract he finds acceptable?"
Pardew also expects Barton to build on the impressive form he displayed last term.
He added: "I am hoping he will play better and I don't see why he shouldn't.
"He really had a fantastic season last year."
