Barton set for City showdown

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The England international is currently suspended by City after a training-ground incident involving team-mate Ousmane Dabo which could yet result in police action.

City boss Stuart Pearce confirmed: "We will be speaking to the player and his agent on Tuesday."

Barton's agent Willie McKay has already claimed City would be willing to let the 24-year-old leave Eastlands if a prospective buyer met the £5.5million asking price which would trigger talks under the terms of his present contract.

If, as expected, Barton does eventually leave, he could be accompanied by former skipper Sylvain Distin, who is out of contract in the summer and has already attracted the attention of Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp.

Pearce claimed he was "hopeful" rather than confident of Distin staying with the club, although he did confirm up to eight players would be leaving.