Barton has fallen foul of the football authorities on occasions

The Toffees have been told Barton is not for sale despite a clause in the 24-year-old's contract allowing him to speak to any club offering City �5.5m.

After City beat Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup, Barton said: "I have stated on record I don't want to leave.

"I am totally settled. We are going in the right direction and I have got a manager who believes in me."

City boss Stuart Pearce welcomed Barton's commitment to the cause, saying: "Credit to him for speaking out. He has got frustrated and irritated with the speculation.

"The main thing as a pro is being happy. All the rest follows.

"He is playing extremely well and I mentioned England before Christmas. He is getting better and better.

"Joey knows full well he has the backing of a manager that holds him in high esteem."

Everton had targeted Barton to strengthen their midfield with boss David Moyes hoping that his lifelong allegiance to the club could tempt him to switch to Goodison Park.

Barton's agent Willie McKay had earlier refused to rule out a move, saying the clause in Barton's contract meant he could speak to whoever met the asking price.

McKay told BBC Sport: "This is Joey Barton's clause, not Manchester City's and it is a clause they were happy to put in.

"If a club offers �5.5m, it is Joey's right to speak to that club if he wants to, or not if he doesn't want to."

Moyes hoped to fund the swoop for Barton by off-loading Simon Davies to Fulham in a deal worth around �3m.

606: DEBATE Brilliant to hear Joey following up a great FA Cup performance with his committment to the club MM 606: Have your say

Fulham are understood to have offered just over �2m for Davies, who has struggled since his move to Everton from Spurs in May 2005.

But Fulham boss Chris Coleman, a fellow Welshman, is still an admirer of Davies and is expected to pursue the deal, releasing cash that Everton would use to land Barton.

Ironically, Barton was fined �2,000 and warned as to his future conduct after baring his backside at Everton fans following the Premiership match at Goodison Park on 30 September.

City star Barton, who is tipped for an England call-up after impressing coach Steve McClaren, has been linked with Newcastle United but their interest has cooled.