Championship side West Ham are ready to step up their interest in unsettled Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton.
Barton was transfer listed earlier this summer after publicly criticising the Magpies on Twitter.
However, he did play in the first game of the season against Arsenal last weekend and boss Alan Pardew has admitted he could still have a future at St James' Park.
It is thought Newcastle will allow the former Manchester City youngster to leave if he finds another club, although his high wages have so far scuppered any move.
Fresh reports say Hammers boss Sam Allardyce would have no problems signing the controversial 28-year-old, and a deal could well be a possibility.
Barton is said to be good friends with West Ham skipper Kevin Nolan, who moved to the East Londoners in a surprise switch from Newcastle earlier this summer.