Newcastle United are ready to sell crocked midfielder Joey Barton.

The Sunday Mirror says the Toon top brass tried to unload the troubled midfielder in August when his reputation and lack of a fitness after serving a jail sentence put off potential buyers. But Newcastle could still do business if they can recoup the £5million that they paid Manchester City.

Toon boss Joey Kinnear has revealed Barton will not return to first-team action until possibly March from the knee injury he suffered last month.