Joey Barton

Joey Barton’s future at Marseille rests on the French club putting a suitable offer to QPR for the combative midfielder, according to Rangers chairman, Tony Fernandes.

With QPR expected to lose a number of players over the summer following relegation to the Championship and Barton’s impressive performances in Ligue 1 this season, football betting pundits are viewing his return to Loftus Road as a likely prospect.

However, Fernandes has confirmed he isn’t averse to letting Joey go on a permanent basis but it is for Marseille to make the first move.

“If Joey and Marseille want (the transfer), then we will talk,” said the chairman.

“However, he is a QPR player, and is contracted to QPR. Marseille have got to put an offer in. Joey is under contract and Joey would be a very useful player for Queens Park Rangers.”

Whether or not Marseille want Barton for next season is up for debate, for boss Elie Baup is reportedly chasing midfielders Diego Capel of Sporting Lisbon and QPR’s own Stephane Mbia.

If the pair arrive Barton will have to fight for a place in the side but with Marseille gearing up to play Champions League football next season they need as many squad players as they can get.

Barton has proven in the Europa League this season his ability to reach the standards set in the higher echelons of football and for fans of Champions League betting the Englishman’s debut on the ultimate European stage would be a spectacle worth viewing.

Yet the midfielder requires Marseille to make the first move and save him from what could be an obscure season in the Championship with QPR.

With three rounds of the Ligue 1 season remaining, Barton cannot afford to take his eye off the ball and fans can expect transfer discussions to begin in mid summer – if they ever do.

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