Newcastle United's Joey Barton has turned down interest from champions Manchester United, confirming he will stay at St James' Park.
Barton, who did not go on the pre-season tour of the United States as he could not get a visa - has confirmed his commitment to Alan Pardew's side for the 2010-11 season, but added that the campaign would likely be his last for the Tyneside outfit.
Using social networking tool Twitter, Barton confirmed he had received interest from Old Trafford, but said he would see out the final year of his contract - which manager Pardew has failed to renew.
"Nice to be linked with some big clubs but I honestly don't want to leave Newcastle. Thanks but no thanks," Barton tweeted.
"I will most likely leave Newcastle at end of season, when my contract expires and I am no longer employed. It's out of my hands."
Barton is not unknown to the city of Manchester, having lived there for 10 years while playing for Manchester City - five years as a youth player, and five years in the senior squad.
Pardew, for his part, has left the door open to re-sign the 28-year-old following their English Premier League campaign.
"I think Joey will be here (for the 2012-13 season). He's said all along he wants to stay and I want him to stay so there's no conflict," he told The Sun newspaper.
"His contract may get resolved but probably not until it runs out."
"But if he has another season (in 2011-12) like the last one then he'll be in the front seat, which is where he wants to be."