Aston Villa are looking to bring in Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton.
The 28-year old has again emerged as target for Villa with manager Gerard Houllier hoping to bring in some midfield reinforcements during the winter market.
Villa were at first skeptical about Barton, who has a history of being short-tempered, but club officials have given Houllier the go-ahead to pursue the Magpies man.
It is believed that Newcastle boss Alan Pardew wants to offer Barton a new deal, indicating that the former Manchester City man may have some decisions to make next month.
