Newcastle centre-back Fabricio Coloccini is assessing his options ahead of an exit from the club, but midfielder Joey Barton wants to remain at St James’ Park.
Argentine defender Coloccini was a £10 million signing from Deportivo La Coruna last summer, but his value quickly plummeted with a series of unconvincing displays for The Magpies.
The 27-year-old has been linked with Sevilla and Atletico Madrid, as well as San Lorenzo in his home country, but Newcastle’s insistence on recouping a fair chunk of their outlay on the player has reportedly scared any interested parties off.
Despite the lack of development on his future, Coloccini’s agent has confirmed he wants out of English football.
“We are looking at possible opportunities for him – all of them in Europe,” said Marcelo Lombilla.
Meanwhile, Barton – whose long-term prospects at the club are just as uncertain – has stated his desire to stay on at Newcastle and help the club bounce back from relegation.
“I have tried to make the best of my time off the pitch. It has been well documented that I have had problems with alcohol and I’m trying to turn a corner now,” he said.
“All I am looking forward to is going back, I just hope I’m welcome.
“My intention is to stay with the club so I am concentrating on getting back into peak fitness.”
Barton continued: “Everything with the club is a little bit up in the air. It is not good times being relegated.
“I don’t know what is going to happen with the club or with the manager situation.
“It’s really frustrating this has happened, especially as I only played about six or seven games.
“I’m just looking forward to going back and my intention is to stay at the club and help Newcastle back into The Premier League.
“If Alan Shearer takes the job and if he doesn’t want me then my hands are tied. All I can do is try and get as fit as possible, but I have got to prepare for all eventualities.”