Barton hints at future after Burnley contract offer

Joey Barton: Back to Burnley

Joey Barton: Back to Burnley

Burnley have confirmed Rangers target Joey Barton has been offered a new contract, along with former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

Both men are out of contract following the club’s Sky Bet Championship title-winning campaign, but manager Sean Dyche wants them to remain at Turf Moor in the Barclays Premier League.

Barton, 33, excelled for the Clarets last term and is also the top target of Rangers boss Mark Warburton.

The midfielder seemed to suggest on Monday that his mind was made up without revealing where he would be playing his football next year.

“Tough decision but it’s now made. Onwards and upwards from here. #Rollupandspendyourlastdime,” Barton Tweeted.

The hashtag references Roy Orbison track ‘Penny Arcade’, a favourite of the Rangers faithful, indicating he is likely to snub Burnley’s offer.

Robinson signed for the club in January as cover for Tom Heaton but never made his first-team debut.

Fellow keepers Matt Gilks and Danijel Nizic have been released, alongside Matt Taylor, Lloyd Dyer and Jason Gilchrist.

Burnley stalwart Michael Duff, 38, has finished his playing career and will begin work as coach with the under-18s.

Dyche said: “There are always tough decisions to make at the end of every season.

“But in football you have to keep moving forwards and on behalf of everyone at the football club, I would like to thank the players leaving us for all their efforts and professionalism.

“We wish them well in their careers elsewhere and we look forward to working again with those who will remain at Turf Moor.”