Joey Barton has ruled out Sunderland switch (Picture: Getty Images)

Joey Barton has dismissed speculation he may be on the verge of a shock switch to Sunderland – insisting he could never play for the Black Cats.

The former Newcastle midfielder has 18 months left on his contract with QPR and was rumoured to be a January target for new Sunderland manager Gus Poyet.

However, Barton has given short shrift to the idea on Twitter.

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Gus Poyet wants to bolster his squad in January (Picture: AP)

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‘Me to 5under1and? Somehow I just don’t think so,’ he said.

‘I value the time I spent at NUFC. I value the relationship I have with the toon army to this day. I could never play for the Mackems.



‘It wouldn’t be right. Not sure were the rumour came from. But as usually its nonsense.’

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I value the relationship I have with the toon army to this day. I could never play for the Mackems. It wouldn't be right. — Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) December 2, 2013