Bookies favourite Joey Barton 'would welcome' Sheffield Wednesday talks over vacant manager's job

The Owls are on the lookout for a new boss after parting ways with Tony Pulis late last month, with owner Dejphon Chansiri promising a thorough process and maintaining that he will consider both foreign and domestic options.

A host of names have been linked with the top spot including current bookies favourite, former Manchester City and England midfielder Joey Barton.

And sources close to the 38-year-old have revealed to The Star that while Wednesday are yet to make any approach to Barton about their vacant manager’s role, it’s an approach the former Fleetwood boss would welcome.

Barton, who left League One Town earlier this week after two-and-a-half years in the role, is in no immediate rush to jump straight back into football and will consider undertaking further coaching qualifications as well as broadening his learning at some of his former clubs.

But the size and potential of Wednesday would make for a very attractive proposition for the ambitious young manager, The Star understands.

Barton left Fleetwood after two-and-a-half years that culminated in qualification for the League One playoffs last season.

The Owls’ whittling-down process is believed still to be in full flow with a wide range of profiles considered, including former Wigan Athletic boss Paul Cook and the German Thorsten Fink.

They have welcomed a host of applications for the role from all over the world.

Speaking to the media in a press conference last week, Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri said: “After I sacked Pulis, many offers came in but I can only choose one. I need to make sure it is the right one. We are still working. I will try to make a decision as soon as possible.

“My people need to help me make a shortlist and then we'll look at it. Then we'll start to interview.

“This time we need to think more and more. I don't want any surprises again.

“I need to choose the one that fits to our club. It doesn't matter whether it is an English or foreign coach. It must be the best one.”

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