The shamed 25-year-old midfielder is already serving a six-month prison sentence for assault on two men during an explosive confrontation back in December.

Appearing at court in Manchester yesterday, Barton was given a four-month suspended prison sentence for attacking ex-Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

But Newcastle has refused to rule out a return to the pitch for the player whom they bought for £5.8 million - despite the court proceedings hanging over him.

Barton, who served six weeks in Liverpool's Walton Prison, could be back in the North East for pre-season training within days and will face showdown talks with the club's hierarchy.

His agent said the midfielder kept fit while in jail.

Willie McKay said: "We can't really say too much, but we'll be sitting down and talking about his future. He will be aiming to be back for pre-season training next week."

Barton will have to satisfy manager Kevin Keegan and managing director Derek Llambias that he has a future at the club, and that his wild ways are behind him.

There was no official statement from United, but it was understood the club had not fired the one-time England player,

Barton vowed to change his ways after joining Newcastle, but 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.