Joey Barton to stay put at Newcastle?

Joey Barton has confirmed that he could allow his Newcastle United contract to expire.

The midfielder has been told by the Newcastle board that he can leave the club on a free transfer following an outburst against the club on Twitter.

Barton, 28, has been using the social networking site to keep the footballing world updated on the situation.

He currently has one year remaining on his Magpies deal and may be prepared to let that run down.

"Just because ur [sic] told to jump, it does not necessarily mean u have to. I may choose to stand perfectly still. It's my right...just a thought," Barton said on Twitter earlier today.

The former Manchester City player has been linked with moves to Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic.