Joey Barton in talks with West Ham ahead of Tuesday medical

Sky Sports News have reported that midfielder Joey Barton is now undergoing a medical and fitness test with West Ham, as he looks to find a new club.

Barton felt he could have added something to Bilic’s squad but admitted “it was not meant to be” at this point.

He said: ‘I’ve brought in Dimitri Payet and Diafra Sakho to the club and I’m confident West Ham fans can feel assured Joey will have a similar impact. “Obviously with a character like myself, there’s always one or two who are not so kind or complimentary”.

“But he carved out a career with his unshakeable mentality and arrogance and belief in himself and he won’t be going to West Ham thinking he will play here and there”.

Barton has been a free agent since being released by Queen Park Rangers at the end of last season.

“He’s a good player and based on football decisions we’d have signed him, but in the interests of team spirit we haven’t”.

The Hammers had midfield enforcer Alex Song on loan from Barcelona last season, but have so far failed to keep the Cameroonian at the club on a permanent basis.

And Barton’s former manager at QPR Harry Redknapp told radio station TalkSport that he could become a fans’ favourite at the Boleyn.

The 32-year-old midfielder watched Aston Villa’s 1-0 victory at Bournemouth on Saturday, and said: “Judging by this game it won’t be long before I get a phone call from somebody (to sign for them)”.

What would 2013 David Gold think of 2015 David Gold?