JOEY Barton insists he would quite happily spend the rest of his career with Newcastle United, and has laughed off suggestions he could be leaving for as little as £1.5m next month.

Barton is one of a number of high-profile players to have been linked with a possible move away from Tyneside during the January transfer window, a situation that has been exacerbated by the Magpies’ reluctance to instigate discussions over a new contract, even though the midfielder is about to enter the final 18 months of his current deal.

The 28-year-old’s performances this season have been as good as anything he has ever produced in a black-and-white shirt, alerting the likes of West Ham and Bolton to his potential availability.

The Hammers were linked with a cut-price £1.5m offer earlier in the week – a suggestion that was dismissed by Newcastle officials – and Barton admits he has no desire to leave St James’ Park.

“I was actually laughing about it this morning, saying I thought £1.5m was a little bit cheap and, if I was them, I would ask for more,” said the midfielder, who joined Newcastle in a £5.8m move from Manchester City in June 2007. “We had a good giggle about it.

“People write what they write, it is silly season. I have always gone on record about the affinity I have with the fans at this football club, and the football club and my fellow players.

“I have been on record as saying I want to stay here for the rest of my career. Nothing has happened and no one has told me otherwise, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s what’s going to happen.”

■ Read an in-depth Joey Barton interview in tomorrow’s The Northern Echo.