The Chronicle understands City boss Alex McLeish is looking to add some top-flight experience to his squad for the new season and this could bring an end to Barton’s controversial stint on Tyneside.
The one-time England midfielder was back at United’s training ground this week for the start of pre-season training but could have found himself training in solitude had Alan Shearer been in charge as boss.
Barton's £64,000 per week salary is part of a crippling wage bill at Newcastle that doesn’t fit in with the finances of life in the Championship.
With Birmingham working on a series of new signings, Barton could find himself farmed out on loan to St Andrews with a view to a permanent deal.