Newcastle transfer-list outspoken Barton

Newcastle United have lost patience with Joey Barton, placing the controversial midfielder on the transfer list on Monday.

Barton has been outspoken in his criticism of the way owner Mike Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias were running the club and hinted at widespread dressing room unrest on Twitter.

The 28-year-old played a leading role in Newcastle’s successful return to the English Premier League last season, but Alan Pardew will have to do without him this campaign after the club confirmed Barton was no longer a required player.

“Newcastle United can confirm that Joey Barton has been placed on the transfer list today (Monday),” the club said in a statement on its official website.

“The player has been advised that he can leave the club on a free transfer.”

Late last week, Barton made his displeasure with the club’s direction clear in a series on Twitter posts, and supported full-back Jose Enrique in the Spaniard’s criticism of Ashley and Llambias.

“If only we as players could tell the fans exactly how it is, without them above fining us lots of money,” Barton tweeted.

“If it wouldn’t effect team morale and cause unrest within the dressing room, am certain Jose’s comments would be the tip of the iceberg….. And again it would be left to those magnificent fans to pick up the remnants of their once-great football club.”

“If I wanted to leave, I’d just come out and say “I want to leave.” Things need addressing as am not prepared to go through a relegation again.”

Barton has made 79 appearances for Newcastle since joining from Manchester City in 2007.

Controversy has followed the midfielder throughout his career, from his fight with then-City team-mate Ousmane Dabo in May 2007 and his 77-day stint in prison for an assault committed later that year.