Barton signs new deal
Midfielder Joey Barton has signed a new four-year contract at Manchester City.
The 23-year-old’s future had been in some doubt after he stunned City with a transfer request last season.
But he has since rebuilt his relationship with the club, and manager Stuart Pearce has succeeded in retaining the rising star.
Barton was linked with a move to Middlesbrough this summer and has numerous admirers after establishing himself as the driving force in City’s midfield.
The Liverpool-born player’s contract talks were almost derailed following a row over his agent Willie McKay’s fee, but McKay opted to drop his request for what was understood to be £100,000 (€146,000).
Barton’s existing contract had just one year left to run, and City were eager to keep him on a longer-term deal.
Pearce said: “This is excellent news. I have always maintained that Joey’s future lay with this football club and the player is very happy here.
“Joey is improving as a player and I am sure with continued hard work on his and our part, he can achieve his ambitions at Manchester City.”
