West Ham Bid For Barton

Manchester City today released the following statement,

"We can confirm Joey Barton has requested permission to speak to two clubs. Newcastle and West Ham have submitted bids of £5.5million or more for the player's services."

It is believed that West Ham are ready to offer the player higher wages than Newcastle. However this transfer is likely to have a knock on effect to the proposed move of Scott Parker. If Barton chooses West Ham will Newcastle release Parker?

For me Parker is the better player and is less likely to cause problems with his off pitch behaviour.