Barton made to feel 'so wanted'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The 24-year-old Manchester City midfielder is expected to complete a £5.5million move to St James' Park on Wednesday once the remaining administrative details are finalised.

He told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle: "I have given my word to Newcastle United and that is where I hope I will be going. Everybody knows they are a club of great history and tradition - and that is great - but what has also been great for me is that they have pushed the boat out for me, and both Freddy Shepherd and Sam Allardyce have made me feel so wanted."

Barton visited Shepherd at his home, where he is recovering from illness after opening negotiations on Tuesday, to thank him for his attention, and quickly made up his mind.

His capture would be the first of Allardyce's reign, and could be swiftly followed by the arrival of out-of-contract Middlesbrough striker Mark Viduka.

The 31-year-old is expected to formally open talks on Thursday after agreeing in principle to join the club.

Allardyce's determination to do business early - he only returned to his desk on Monday - will impress the club's fans, although he knows he will have to reassure them that the problems which have blighted Barton's career to date are behind him.

The outspoken England international knows he has made mistakes in the past, and is intent on proving himself on the pitch all over again.

He said: "I am not proud of some of the things I have done and know I have brought a lot of my problems on myself. But I want to be a winner, not only for myself, but for the fans.

"I have heard it said that footballers are all about flash cars and expensive watches, but for me, it is all about winning medals and it hurts me that I haven't any."