Barton deal delayed by agent row
Joey Barton
Manchester City's hopes of agreeing a new long-term deal with Joey Barton are on hold while they resolve a cash wrangle with his agent Willie McKay.
McKay is understood to be demanding a fee of around £100,000 for the renegotiation of Barton's contract.
City refuse to comment, but it is believed they feel the demand is excessive and want more talks.
McKay told the Manchester Evening News: "It is bang out of order for information like this to go public."
He added: "It's unprofessional. They're just having a pop."
And he said: "It's just propaganda and I am fed up with it. I'm trying to do my best for Barton.
"I brought in Nicolas Anelka, Ali Benarbia, Daniel van Buyten, Marc-Vivien Foe and Antoine Sibierski into City."
McKay also claimed he could have got a better deal for Barton than the four-year contract he may now sign with City.
He said: "I could have got him £15,000 or £20,000 more than City have offered, but Joey just doesn't want the hassle."
But Middlesbrough are the only club to have made a firm inquiry for Barton, despite reported interest from Newcastle United and Everton.
Joey Barton
Manchester City's hopes of agreeing a new long-term deal with Joey Barton are on hold while they resolve a cash wrangle with his agent Willie McKay.
McKay is understood to be demanding a fee of around £100,000 for the renegotiation of Barton's contract.
City refuse to comment, but it is believed they feel the demand is excessive and want more talks.
McKay told the Manchester Evening News: "It is bang out of order for information like this to go public."
He added: "It's unprofessional. They're just having a pop."
And he said: "It's just propaganda and I am fed up with it. I'm trying to do my best for Barton.
"I brought in Nicolas Anelka, Ali Benarbia, Daniel van Buyten, Marc-Vivien Foe and Antoine Sibierski into City."
McKay also claimed he could have got a better deal for Barton than the four-year contract he may now sign with City.
He said: "I could have got him £15,000 or £20,000 more than City have offered, but Joey just doesn't want the hassle."
But Middlesbrough are the only club to have made a firm inquiry for Barton, despite reported interest from Newcastle United and Everton.
