Portsmouth boss Tony Adams is planning a shock move for Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton.

The People says Adams sees the midfield bad-boy as the ideal replacement to fill the gap left by the £20million sale of Lassana Diarra to Real Madrid.

He has spoken to Barton's representative and the player is aware of the interest.

Barton last year spent a spell in rehab at the Sporting Chance clinic, which was co-founded by Adams after his own successful fight against alcoholism.

Adams has taken an interest in helping him overcome his problems ever since.