O'Neill linked to Toon swoop

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton faces a lengthy FA suspension today amid reports that Aston Villa are interested in signing him.

The 26-year-old faces a ban of up to 12 matches from the FA today as he is set for a hearing into his assault on former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor has urged the Football Association to be lenient with Barton, who has had his fair share of chances.

But Taylor believes the player should be given an incentive to improve his behaviour.

"I think we can expect a number of games suspension but hopefully some will be suspended to try to encourage some better behaviour from him," he told Radio 5 Live.

Reports claim Aston Villa were one of two clubs - the other were thought to be Blackburn - to show interest in Barton on transfer deadline day, although they requested total anonyminity during the negotiations.

Villa Park boss Martin O'Neill has a reputation for signing and man-managing some of football's notorious hotheads - Robbie Savage, Neil Lennon and John Hartson have all put their chequered pasts behind them and flourished under him.