MANCHESTER City remain hopeful they can persuade Joey Barton to sign a new contract after wrapping up the £6 million signing of Georgios Samaras from Heerenveen.

Barton handed in a transfer request after rejecting a deal understood to be worth double his current package.

But manager Stuart Pearce is determined to persuade him to stay.

A statement on the club's website said: "The manager has publicly stated his desire to keep the player at Manchester City Football Club.

"A second round of negotiations between the club and the player's representatives took place and Manchester City wishes to continue those talks."

Pearce stood by 23-year-old Barton in July of last year when he was sent home from a pre-season tour of Thailand in disgrace after being involved in an altercation with a 15-year-old Everton fan at City's team hotel in Bangkok.

He has attracted interest from several clubs - thought to include Arsenal, Birmingham and Middlesbrough - but it remains to be seen if any move will be made before tonight's transfer deadline.

Barton's form suggested he was keen to make the most of City's backing and last month he played on despite learning that his brother Michael had been found guilty of the racist killing of Anthony Walker and must serve 18 years in prison.

Greek midfielder Samaras will make his City debut in Wednesday's home game with Newcastle providing his international clearance comes through in time.