Newcastle plan showdown talks for Barton

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has not been sacked after pleading guilty to a second charge of assault.

However, the 25-year-old faces showdown talks with manager Kevin Keegan and managing director Derek Llambias over his future on his release from jail.

Barton, who is currently serving a six-month prison sentence for assault, admitted attacking his then Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court and is due to be sentenced today.

PA Sport understands the player, who has four years of the contract he signed after completing a £5.8m move to St James’ Park last summer still to run, will be called in on his release to discuss his future.