Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce is confident he can persuade Joey Barton his future lies at Eastlands despite frustration at the midfielder's shock transfer request.
The England under-21 international told the club last night he wanted to leave but his request was instantly rejected.
Already Barton appears to be facing a backlash from supporters. Fans are angered with the player who they supported after his well-documented personal problems last summer.
Pearce will attempt to smooth relations with the player over the next 24 hours and feels he can talk Barton round.
"I wouldn't have done what Joey did after the club stood by him in the summer," said Pearce. "I am disappointed, but more for the fans and chairman.
"But we hope to secure him on a long-term contract. I will talk to him today and I think something will be sorted out."
Barton's advisor Willie McKay said the matter was nothing to do with money, yet at the same time said if City had met the midfielder's demands in the first place, the argument would never have surfaced.
The City board are steadfast in their belief the original offer of £28,750-a-week will not be increased.
"No, we won't increase it," said Pearce. "The club has made Joey a fantastic offer but his agent has said it wasn't about money, so I need to talk to him and found out what the situation is about."
Pearce is also mystified at McKay's claims that Barton feels he is being taken for granted at the club.
"No, I don't understand where he is coming from," said the City boss. "That statement was completely bizarre."
McKay told BBC Radio Five Live: "It is not just all about money. It is about Joey Barton wants to go and where Manchester City want to go.
"If Manchester City had come back with the offer we had asked for, which in my opinion is below what Joey should be getting any way, then Joey would have signed the contract. I think he is a little bit upset."
McKay added: "I am appointed by Joey to do the best for Joey. It is not just Manchester City, other clubs take you for granted when you come through the ranks," he added.
"During those difficult times, if he was not the player he was and was on the periphery of the team, a below-average player, in my opinion I don't think Manchester City would have stuck by him."
