The Daily Mail are reporting that Tottenham head the queue of clubs trying to sign troublesome midfielder Joey Barton.
A turbulent day on Tyneside ended with the Newcastle player being put on the transfer list without a price tag after his Twitter rants against clubs owners on Sunday.
Barton set a 4pm deadline to inform fans about his future but the club stole in first and effectively stated that Barton had been sacked.
Owner Mike Ashley, managing director Derek Llambias and manager Alan Pardew decided enough was enough and decided Barton’s disruptive influence at St James’ Park couldn’t be tolerated any longer.
[poll id=”79″]
The news alerted a cluster of Premier League clubs with the controversial star interesting the likes of Aston Villa, Blackburn, Fulham and Stoke.
However Spurs have now become the favourites to sign him with boss Harry Redknapp is keen to strengthen his midfield with a combative presence.
Barton’s desire and tenacious nature on the pitch appeals to Redknapp who has seen a move for West Ham’s Scott Parker fizzle out.
There isn’t much to spend at White Hart Lane and the former Manchester City man’s free transfer status is an attractive proposition.
Whether Spurs or anyone other club are willing to take a chance on the midfielder who carries a lot of baggage remains to be seen.
