Portsmouth boss Tony Adams has made Newcastle
midfielder Joey Barton his top target in the January transfer
window, skysports.com understands.
Adams is in the market for midfield reinforcements after seeing
Lassana Diarra move to Real Madrid and Papa Bouba Diop suffer a
long-term injury.
Pompey have money to spend this month as Adams looks to rebuild
his squad at Fratton Park and he is a big fan of the one-time
England international.
Adams is believed to have sounded out a move for the 26-year-old
as he believes Barton would be the ideal replacement for
Diarra.
Portsmouth's pursuit of Barton has been given a boost with the
news that the midfielder is due to return to action within the next
week after recovering from the knee injury which has sidelined him
since November.
The former Manchester City ace, who was available for £2million
in the summer, had impressed in the Newcastle side before suffering
his injury against Wigan.
Newcastle could be tempted to cash-in on Barton if Portsmouth
make a suitable offer as Magpies boss Joe Kinnear looks to raise
funds for his own signings this month.