West Ham close in on deal for 'vile' Joey Barton

Joey Barton has been out of contract since leaving QPR

WEST HAM are in talks to sign “vile” Joey Barton.

 

That was the word used by Hammers’ co-owner David Gold last year when asked about the QPR midfielder.

“In my opinion Barton has a problem and should seek help,” added Gold, who went on say he would give then-manager Sam Allardyce some “time off” if he suggested he wanted to sign Barton.

But now that very move looks to be on with Barton a free agent following his release from QPR.

West Ham began their Premier League season with a surprise 2-0 victory at Arsenal on Sunday, when 16-year-old defensive midfielder Reece Oxford made his debut – and manager Slaven Bilic wants to bolster his options with a move for Barton.

 

Oxford was among the Hammers’ most impressive players but as recently as Thursday Bilic’s lack of strength in depth was highlighted when the defeat of a weakened team selected away at Romania’s Astra Giurgiu ended their Europa League campaign.

Should Barton agree personal terms to join West Ham he will be reunited with Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll, his former Newcastle team-mates.

Barton and Carroll, notably, produced the finest form of their careers while playing together.

Barton, 32, watched Aston Villa’s 1-0 victory at Bournemouth on Saturday and said: “Judging by this game it won’t be long before I get a phone call from somebody [to sign for them)].

“The best player might be sitting in the stands this afternoon, even if I do say so myself.”