Joey Barton will remain a Newcastle United player following his release from prison, the club have confirmed. Barton left Strangeways prison yesterday after serving less than three months of a six-month sentence for assault.

"Newcastle United officials can confirm they have met with Joey Barton today following which it has been agreed by everyone involved that Joey will remain with the club," read a Newcastle statement. As expected, Newcastle will not sack the player or force him to accept a cut on his £65,000 a week wages.