Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.QPR have completed the signing of Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton on a four-year contract, the north east club have confirmed.
The 28-year-old was in the final year of his contract at St James' Park and made available on a free transfer recently after criticising Newcastle's recruitment policy via his Twitter account.
Barton passed a medical at QPR's training ground in Harlington yesterday but left without penning a deal, 'tweeting' that he needed "some thinking time and space" before making a decision.
Having mulled over the move overnight, Barton has now penned a deal with the west London club and could make his debut against Wigan tomorrow or at home to Newcastle after the international break.
"It's been quite a whirlwind, so to get things finally sorted and draw a line under it all is a great relief," he told the club's official website, www.qpr.co.uk.
"The ambition of the club really impressed me.
"There's obviously a great set of lads here already and that's why they had such a great season in the Championship.
"The gaffer is talking about adding two or three more bodies and that, combined with the potential of the club and the new owners' ambitions, bodes really well for the future."
Barton becomes the first signing at QPR since AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes completed his takeover of the club last week.
Rangers boss Neil Warnock has since had little time to make his mark on the transfer market but is delighted to get the first of the five new faces he hopes to bring to Loftus Road before Wednesday's deadline.
"We've got a very, very good player on our hands," he said of Barton, who will wear the number 17 jersey.
"He's coming here to show people what he can do. He wants to get back into the England team.
"He's very enthusiastic. People will say one or two things about him, but they've said stuff about me in the past too, so I won't worry about that."
He added: "He's a winner. Even without the armband on, he's a captain every week.
"He's a lot better player than people give him credit for. Hopefully we can harness all his positive characteristics and get the best out of him.
"I think with Tony's backing and (vice-chairman) Amit [Bhatia] coming back on board this is a really positive step for the Football Club."
Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias said: "On behalf of everyone at Newcastle we wish to thank Joey for his on-field contributions to the team and we wish him every success for his future at Queens Park Rangers."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments