The Rangers player is being linked with a move to Leeds United.
According to a report from the Herald Scotland, Leeds United manager Garry Monk is considering a move for Joey Barton should the player leave Rangers this season.
The report claims that Barton is in negotiations to cut short his spell in Scotland and that Monk could turn to him as he looks to ensure the Whites earn promotion back to the Premier League this season.
Leeds fans are used to crazy rumours, but a move for Barton would be foolish in the extreme given the club’s progress under Monk.
Leeds are strong in the midfield area, so strong in fact that they have not missed the injured Liam Bridcutt and struggle to find a starting spot for Ronaldo Vieira.
If Barton arrived at Elland Road it would surely only be as a starter, but Leeds do not need him.
There was a time when they did, when their midfield looked considerably weaker than it does now. But those days have gone and Monk should focus on what he has.
His key aims for January should be signing a new striker – in the event that Chris Wood is struck down with injury – and turning Pontus Jansson’s loan deal into a permanent move.
A move for Barton makes no sense and if anything it could derail Leeds’ progress rather than help it.
Barton may have helped Burnley to promotion last season but they are doing just fine in the Premier League without him. In fact, in his 40 appearances for the Clarets he managed just three goals and three assists and at 34 he is well past his best.
Leeds are in the play-off places with their current squad and any move for the former Manchester City player is only going to hinder the progress of the likes of Vieira and Kalvin Phillips.
In short, Barton is the solution to a problem Leeds no longer have so it is time to move on and focus on the future with a club that looks destined to finally return to the top table of English football sooner rather than later.
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