Aston Villa still interested in Joey Barton as Gareth Barry replacement

Aston Villa remain interested in taking Joey Barton off Newcastle's hands despite the explosive row sparked by his proposed exit from St James' Park.

The 26-year-old bad boy faces a ban of up to 12 matches from the FA today as he is set for a hearing into his assault on former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

Mirror Sport understands Villa boss Martin O'Neill sees Barton as a long-term replacement for Gareth Barry after fending off Liverpool's summer bid to sign the England midfielder.

But O'Neill is clearly planning for the future as it is thought Liverpool will make a new bid in January.

Villa and an as yet unnamed club made their interest about Barton known on condition of anonymity. But it remains to be seen whether Villa fans would accept him.

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