Joey Barton has admitted he tried to arrange a Newcastle United reunion with former teammate Andy Carroll. After four months in the footballing wilderness, Reading announced the signing of the ex-Magpies striker on a short-term deal.
Carroll was temporarily on the Royals’ books last season, penning a one-month contract before jumping ship to West Bromwich Albion in January. However, his release from the Baggies in May has left him without a club.
Surprise interest from Belgian champions Club Brugge emerged in the summer but talks broke down following a medical. More shock reports claimed Wolves were preparing a desperate bid for the 6ft 4in Geordie before eventually signing fellow free agent Diego Costa.
READ MORE: Eddie Howe's 'entertaining' Bournemouth success and how Newcastle United are now replicating it
More than a decade on from their Newcastle days, Barton has revealed he approached his old friend about joining Bristol Rovers. The two forged a formidable partnership on Tyneside under Chris Hughton, with Barton’s crossing ability fuelling Carroll’s aerial bombardment of Premier League defences.
Speaking ahead of his side's clash against Lincoln City, the former Toon midfielder suggested his enquiry was quickly rebuffed. Barton said: “I was speaking to Andy and he was saying he might have a Premier League move.
“It was like September 7, he’s my mate, so I said to him, ‘what are you doing? What are you going to do, sit in the house?’ He said, ‘look, I’ve had a bit of interest from abroad and I’m not sure if I’m going to do that. I’ve had Premier League interest’. I was like, ‘alright, no problem, hopefully it comes off for you.”
“I saw Diego Costa signing, so it must have been that. He never told me that but I’m presuming it’s that. He told me, ‘If I miss out then there are a few Championship clubs interested in me’.
“And you never know whether they’re just saying that because their agent has said that or if there actually is. So I am like, okay, this is interesting but, as it transpires, he has gone to Reading. But I had gone, ‘If none of them (are interested) and you fancy playing we’ll have you.’”
READ NEXT:
Newcastle's best dynamic duos - and how they can inspire Isak and Wilson
Eddie Howe's rousing Newcastle United team talk
Brighton's CEO wants a 'word with Dan Ashworth' over St James' Park rule
PSG president makes 'dream' vow that is good news for Newcastle's long-term plan
Loris Karius' response to Liverpool hate mail as Newcastle get character bonus
