Barton is due to be sentenced today after admitting assaulting Ousmane Dabo. Photograph: AP

Joey Barton will face talks over his Newcastle United future with the club’s manager Kevin Keegan and managing director Derek Llambias upon his release from prison. Barton, who is currently serving a six-month sentence for assault, admitted attacking his then Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo at the city’s Minshull Street crown court and is due to be sentenced today.

There are unconfirmed reports that Barton could be released on Sunday, albeit with an electronic tag, but his agent, Willie McKay, admitted that the midfielder had already set his sights on returning to pre-season training with Newcastle on Monday.

“We can’t really say too much until Joey is released, but we will be sitting down and talking about his future,” said McKay. “He will be aiming to be back for pre-season training next week. But again, we will see what happens. Joey had a great end to the season and has kept himself in great shape. In fact, he is in the best shape I have ever seen him in and I think he will be fitter than anybody else.” Newcastle have refused to comment on Barton’s future.

The training-ground incident with Dabo happened before Barton’s arrival at St James’ Park. However, the offences which led to his time in jail were committed after his move to Tyneside and have caused the club huge embarrassment.

Barton was arrested in Liverpool city centre on December 27 after going on a drunken rampage during which he was caught on CCTV repeatedly punching a fellow reveller.

About this articleCloseThis article was first published on guardian.co.uk on Tuesday July 01 2008. It was last updated at 13:40 on July 01 2008.

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