Joey Barton may return to the Newcastle midfield in time for the final run in of games that could decide the Magpies top flight future. The 26-year old fractured a metatarsal in January and has been out ever since but the last five games of the season which include trips to Anfield and Villa park as well as a local derby against similarly-threatened Middlesbrough could arrive just in time for the former Manchester City man.

 

Whilst Barton is contemplating a return to action at St James’, defender Sebastien Bassong has yet to decide whether his longer-term future lies with the Geordies. The 22-year old who signed from Metz a year ago has been offered a contract extension but is uncertain whether to commit when the clubs future is still undecided. Rumours linking him with Arsenal have not gone un-noticed but Bassong intends to take his time before agreeing where his football will be played next season.

One man who may be on his way at the end of the season is Michael Owen. Out of contract in the summer, Owen has just returned after yet another injury but has been keen to stress recently that he is not injury-prone despite only 53 starts in 4 years since signing from real Madrid.