Willie McKay, Barton's agent since the summer:
"Joey had a conversation with Stuart Peace yesterday. It is not just all about money. It is about where Joey Barton wants to go and where Manchester City want to go.
"If Manchester City had come back with the offer we had asked for, which in my opinion is below what Joey should be getting any way, then Joey would have signed the contract.
"It has not doubled his contract [money] and he asked for a transfer request. I think he is a little bit upset.
"I am appointed by Joey to do the best for Joey. It is not just Manchester City, other clubs take you for granted when you come through the ranks.
"During those difficult times, if he was not the player he was and was on the periphery of the team, a below-average player, in my opinion I don’t think Manchester City would have stuck by him.
"He has got 15 months left on his contract and I can assure all Manchester City fans he will give 100% during that contract."
Pearce quoted in PA reports:
"I wouldn't have done what Joey did after the club stood by him in the summer.
"I am disappointed, but more for the fans and chairman. But we hope to secure him on a long-term contract. I will talk to him today and I think something will be sorted out."
Pearce listened in growing anger as Barton's advisor Willie McKay explained in a radio interview the matter was nothing to do with money, yet at the same time expressed his opinion if City had met the midfielder's demands in the first place, the argument would never have surfaced. The City board are steadfast in their belief the original offer of £28,750-a-week will not be increased. "No, we won't increase it," said Pearce. "The club has made Joey a fantastic offer but his agent has said it wasn't about money, so I need to talk to him and found out what the situation is about."