No new deal for Barton, duo released

Newcastle United have decided against offering Joey Barton a new deal and have parted company with Sol Campbell and striker Shefki Kuqi.

Barton’s agent revealed the 28-year-old had not been offered a new contract at St James Park and will leave on a free transfer at the end of his current deal, which runs until the end of next season.

The combative midfielder had been a key part of Newcastle’s survival in their first season back in the English Premier League and manager Alan Pardew was keen to retain him long term.

But Barton’s agent Willie McKay said his client will be moving on.

“I had a meeting with Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias and club secretary Lee Charnley and they have indicated Joey will not be offered a new contract,” McKay told Sky Sports.

“Joey will continue to be a Newcastle player next season and then he will leave on a free transfer at the end of his contract. He would have loved to have extended his stay at Newcastle, but unfortunately it is not to be.”

“Joey has loved his time at Newcastle and nothing will change his commitment for the club next season. Obviously we will be monitoring the situation next January to try and find a new club for Joey as he can speak to clubs from abroad in January.”

Barton joined Newcastle from Manchester City for 5.8 million pounds in 2007 under Sam Allardyce, in what was seen as a risk following his training-ground altercation with Ousmane Dabo at Eastlands.

Barton also spent time in prison for an assault on a man in Liverpool, but when he was released he established himself as an integral part of the Newcastle squad.

Meanwhile, veteran defender Sol Campbell, 36, has left Newcastle after being limited to eight first-team appearances this season through injury.

“Sol’s gone and good luck to him,” Pardew said. “Sol’s been an icon of the game but he didn’t feature too much here.”

The Tyneside club have also parted ways with out-of-contract Finnish striker Shefki Kuqi after the 34-year-old went goalless from his six appearances last term.