Should Chelsea take a chance on this controversial midfielder?

Earlier this summer Chelsea were linked with a move for West Ham’s Scott Parker to provide cover for injury casualty Michael Essien and as a homegrown player it would have been easy to fit the 30-year-old in the squad.

Fans were divided over the issue as some argued that he would be a good addition to the squad, whilst others (myself included) didn’t think he would be worth the reported £7/8 million fee, especially as it would only be a short term measure.

In a market where value is hard to find, another English midfielder has become available as Joey Barton could be signed on a free transfer after falling out with Newcastle United. As far as I am aware Chelsea haven’t shown any interest in the 28-year-old, but for the sake of debate, do you think Barton could be a bargain signing for the Blues?

Many would understandably turn their nose up at the thought as Barton is something of a controversial character and has a history of misdemeanours, such as assaulting Ousmane Dabo and being imprisoned for common assault and affray. There’s no doubting that the aforementioned incidents are disgraceful acts of behaviour and people do not like Barton for good reason, but by the same token, his footballing ability is often looked over because of his chequered past.

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In my opinion, Barton was more impressive than Parker over the course of last season despite the fact the latter won the Football Writers’ Player of the Year award, but regardless of who was the better player, it seems that Barton doesn’t get the credit for the things he does well because he’s such a despised figure, which is no great surprise.

But there’s no doubt that Barton has talent, is versatile, has a good passing range, can chip in with the odd goal and I think he would be a useful squad member. More importantly he’s free, homegrown and two years younger than Parker, who many thought would be a useful addition to the Chelsea ranks. He could also provide more competition for midfield places, as long as he’s not getting in the way of Josh McEachran’s progress. Frank Lampard has been an automatic choice for some time now, but is getting on in years now and could benefit from being rotated more often, so extra competition for his place would be healthy, even for Lamps’ own personal motivation.

The midfielder played 35 games for Newcastle United over the course of the 2010-11 season and helped his side to a 12th place finish in their first season back in the Premier League since being relegated to the Championship back in 2009. He also scored five goals and made nine assists for the Toon Army.

Barton is an unsavoury and divisive character, but would he be a bargain signing or is he too much of a risk? – Have your say in the comments section below.