Barton, 25, is alleged to have assaulted Ousmane Dabo in a training ground fist-fight.

Dabo, 30, later made a complaint to police as other players told the press Barton "got stuck into" his alleged victim during the brawl.

Liverpool-born Barton has been suspended by his club for the rest of the season and a question mark remains over his future at City. He is due to meet club representatives on Tuesday.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "We are due to speak to a 25-year-old man in connection with a report of assault from a 30-year-old man.

"Arrangements are being made for the 25-year-old man to go to a police station for questioning. Inquiries are ongoing."

Police gave no further details about arrangements to interview him.

Despite his disciplinary problems Barton's situation at Eastlands has generated interest from a number of top clubs, with Everton being touted as favourites to sign him at the end of the season.

Barton's agent Willie McKay has already claimed City would be willing to let the 24-year-old leave if a prospective buyer met the £5.5million asking price which would trigger talks under the terms of his present contract.

And, while Blues boss Stuart Pearce refused to speculate on whether Barton would be staying or not, he confirmed earlier today that a meeting had been arranged to thrash out his future.