Pompey target Barton

Adams a huge fan of Magpies midfielder

Last updated: 7th January 2009

Pompey target Barton

Barton: Linked with move

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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.