No hiding place for wantaway Barton

Unrepentant Joey Barton is preparing to face down Manchester City’s irate fans at Eastlands after branding the club’s £28,000-a-week contract offer “unacceptable”.

The fiery 23-year-old stunned City by slapping in a transfer request late last night, drawing a furious reaction from Blues supporters just a fortnight after claiming an ambition to one day captain the club.