Exclusive – Hurst: ‘I wouldn’t want Joey Barton at Upton Park’

Sir Geoff Hurst has urged West Ham boss Sam Allardyce to steer clear of Joey Barton.

The Hammers have been linked with a move for the controversial midfielder, who has been told he can leave Newcastle on a free transfer after angering the club with a series of outspoken tweets.

But Hurst told talkSPORT: “I wouldn’t want to see Joey Barton at Upton Park. The reasons remain obvious.

“He’s involved with problems at the club now, Tweeting stuff, being very derogatory. His record off the field is probably the worst we’ve seen from any professional player.”

Allardyce is said to be eyeing Barton as a replacement for Scott Parker, with the England midfielder expected to depart the club this summer.

And, though Hurst would love to see Parker lead West Ham's assault at promotion from the Championship, the Hammers lengend says the 30-year-old deserves a move to one of the Premier League's top four.

He added: "I always believe in loyalty, for players to stay at their clubs. But I think Scott Parker has earned the right to move with the way he played last year in a very difficult season, playing for England, performing well and proving he could play at the top level.

"He deserves a move in the last few years of his career to go to a big club to play in the Champions League. He's earned that right.

"I would wish him well and I hope he moves on and goes to one of the two or three top clubs and has a successful and great year in the Champions League."