Transfer news: Joey Barton likened to Forrest Gump by Everton legend Neville Southall

Southall doesn't see what 30-year-old Barton could add to the squad and would rather the club sign a younger player with more potential

Barton has been summoned after he called Thiago Silva an 'overweight ladyboy' on Twitter (PA)

Former Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall has sent warning to new manager Roberto Martinez to steer clear of Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton, comparing him to fictional character Forrest Gump.

Southall likened Barton to the character played by Tom Hanks in the in the 1994 box office film of the same name.

The shot-stopper wasn’t known for his athletic physique during his playing career, but his comments come after Barton expressed a desire to move to Goodison Park, having supported Everton as a young boy.

Asked whether he felt Barton would be a good signing for the club, Southall said on TalkSPORT: "I think they have already got a kitman.

"What is he going to add to Everton? He might be a half-decent player at times but, if he was that good, Harry Redknapp would be begging him to stay at QPR.

"I don't see how he will fit into Everton's style of play. He ain't the best passer in the world.

"Yes he is fit and runs up and down all day but Forrest Gump did that as well didn't he?

"I would rather he (Martinez) got in a young lad who is probably on less money and a better prospect in the long run so they have got until January to bed him in and see what he is like,” Southall continued.

"A 30-year-old at Everton? I was hoping they were past that, unless he was a current international."

Barton had been snubbed by Marseille after they expressed an interest in a permanent deal due to his wage demands, having spent the past season with the Ligue 1 club on-loan.

Born in Huyton, Barton tweeted “Once a blue…” earlier this morning, and McKay admitted that he has approached Martinez about a potential move.

"Obviously his package with QPR is pretty big for Marseille's terms really," McKay told the same radio station.

"Joey said there was only one club he would make a sacrifice for and it would be Everton and I made that call to Martinez.

"That is the club he loves. I have approached them and said Joey would love to have Everton on his CV.

"Fair play to him he said he would lose money to go to Everton - and not many professionals would do that."

It has been said that Barton is prepared to take a significant wage cut in order to join the Toffees, and McKay also confirmed that Martinez is a fan of Barton along with his interest in signing a central midfielder.

"Roberto Martinez said he likes him as a player and he also spoke to (Martinez's assistant) Graeme Jones, who loves him as a player," McKay added.

"Anything can happen in football. It could happen."