!["I told [management] I might stay this summer because we have some good players and money to spend." - Joey Barton](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tYf80WmV3eIedoUIDD_SiemQqvs=/0x171:535x528/2420x1613/filters:focal(0x171:535x528):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/2342757/GYI0064174573.jpg)
Today's links are brief. Follow the jump for the latest on a new stop on this summer's US tour, Leon Best's ankle, and some contract talk for two players.
Newcastle has added a third location to their North American tour, and strangely enough, they won't be playing an MLS team. Instead, they'll play Orlando City S.C., a new team that plays in the USL Professional Division, a third-tier league. I'm sure the team's association with the Orange Bowl had something to do with this. (NUFC Official Site)
Leon Best had ankle surgery and is indeed out for the season as previously speculated. (Sky Sports)
The club is reportedly talking to Kevin Nolan about extending his stay on Tyneside via new contract. More on this as it unfolds. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)
Joey Barton will wear the armband on Saturday against Aston Villa in Nolan's absence (suspension). (Luke Edwards, The Journal)
Barton gave an interview saying that he would sign a new deal if Nolan did, although he didn't sound too enthused about it:
I told the management that I was worried, that I was scared this (a survival battle) might happen every year. But they assured me they don't want to go down that road. I don't know if I believe them. I told them I might stay this summer because we have some good players and money to spend. But I'm going to wait and see if players like Kevin Nolan, Cheik Tiote, and Jose Enrique stay. If Nolan signs a new deal, I will as well. But I hope the club step things up. I want to be ambitious and I think the club share that desire.