Joey Barton's agent has explained the reason behind his shock transfer request at Manchester City, insisting that money was not the driving factor in the player's decision.
City opened talks over a new contract with Barton just last week but were stunned by the midfielder's decision to ask for a transfer - which was immediately rejected last night.
"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," said McKay.
"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."
McKay also accused City of taking advantage of Barton's long history with the club, which he joined as a schoolboy, and claimed if he had not been a rising star they would have dumped him after his off-the-field problems.
Manager Stuart Pearce stood by the player last July when he was sent home from a pre-season tour of Thailand in disgrace after being involved in an altercation with a 15-year-old Everton fan at City's team hotel in Bangkok.
"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," he added.
"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."
McKay, however, said Barton would continue to give his all for the club during the remainder of his contract.
"He has got 15 months left on his contract and I can assure all Manchester City fans he will give 100% during that contract," he told Radio Five Live.
Barton has attracted interest from several Premiership clubs - thought to include Arsenal, Liverpool, Charlton Athletic and Middlesbrough - and it remains to be seen if a move away from Eastlands unfolds before the January transfer window closes at midnight tonight.
