Villa boss cools Joey Barton interest

Villa boss Alex McLeish has played down speculation linking the club with a move for Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton.

Villa boss Alex McLeish has played down speculation linking the club with a move for Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton.

The 28-year-old has a year left on his contract at St James' Park but has been told he can leave on a free transfer after a much-publicised fall-out with the Newcastle hierarchy.

Barton was immediately talked of as a possible Villa target but, with McLeish already well stocked with midfield options, it is unlikely he will sign.

The Villa boss said: "We don't have any plans to bring anybody else in but you never know something might happen.

"We are mindful of the wage bill and we don't want it spiralling out of control."

[24link]