ASTON VILLA aim to tempt Joey Barton into making an early exit from Newcastle United after claims from the unsettled midfielder's agent that the offer of a new contract is no longer on the table at St James' Park.

Barton has outlined his intention to see out the remaining 12 months of his existing deal. But his advisor, Willie McKay, indicated last night that the former Manchester City man is unlikely to extend his stay beyond that "unless there is new owners".

The 28-year-old has a fractious relationship with the Newcastle hierarchy, with sources close to the player claiming club owner Mike Ashley was only prepared to offer half of the four-year deal being demanded, with an option of a further 12 months.

Barton was close to agreeing terms during January, but changed his mind and now a long-running saga is beckoning.

The situation has led to a deterioration in Barton's dealings with Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias, which has effectively ended in yesterday's bold move from agent McKay to go public.

But McKay insists Barton, said to prefer a deal that would keep him on Tyneside for the long term, will be in no rush to be sold during the close-season.

"I had a meeting with Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias and club secretary Lee Charnley this morning and they have indicated Joey will not be offered a new contract," said McKay last night.

"It is a decision they have made. It is up to them. Joey likes it at Newcastle and he will run his contract out. If a top club comes in then it would be down to him.

"They (Ashley and Llambias) will be in a position where they will look to get something for him, but Joey is strong minded and he will stay for next season.

"I think the only way he stays at Newcastle (beyond next season) is if there are new owners. There is no problem with the manager. The decision has been taken above Alan Pardew."

Newcastle will be keen to ensure they do not lose a player of his quality without receiving a fee for him.

The Barton camp believe there was an offer made from Aston Villa in January, while there is also thought to be interest from German club Hamburg and Greek outfit Olympiacos.

But it would be a sizeable offer from Villa, who are looking to make additions to their squad this summer after a frustrating campaign, that is most likely at this stage.

Newcastle insist they will not close the door on reopening negotiations, but if Barton and McKay continue to hold out in a similar fashion then Ashley will be keen to sell.

McKay said: "I have had a few calls from other clubs already. Everyone knows about the situation. Only if a top club comes in will he move on. He has set his mind on staying at Newcastle."

Newcastle made no official comment yesterday, but did confirm that Sol Campbell and Shefki Kuqi have left the club.

Campbell, 36, and Kuqi, 34, have not been offered deals beyond their respective short-term contracts which are due to come to an end at the end of next month.

Campbell managed only eight appearances, three from the bench, after starting pre-season training late last summer after returning from his honeymoon.

Kuqi, brought in as a late replacement for Andy Carroll when he joined Liverpool in a January switch, appeared six times as a substitute.

It has been claimed in France, meanwhile, that Newcastle have signed Lens youngster Mehdi Abeid.

The 18-year-old is said to have agreed a five-year deal and the two clubs are in talks over pushing through the deal.

"I have had contact dating back some time and I visited the facilities there last week," said Abeid. "I even trained with the reserve team.

"The leaders of the club told me about their plans and that they will rely on me for next season. I intend to give everything to develop in the Premier League. I already discussed things with Hatem Ben Arfa and Cheik Tiote and they encouraged me and welcomed my signature."