QPR ready to cut ties with Barton

QPR are ready to offer Joey Barton a free transfer, paving the way for a potential move to Marseille.

The 29-year-old midfielder said he offered to tear up his contract after being handed a 12-game ban by the FA.

Taking to Twitter he expressed his desire to leave QPR and move to Marseille, having had a dramatic fall from grace at a club he has been at for just a year.

It is thought the Loftus Road club will meet with Barton in the next 24 hours to sort out his future.

His relationship with QPR has rapidly deteriorated following his behaviour on the final day of last season against Manchester City, with the temperamental midfielder currently serving a 12-match ban for violent conduct.

Rangers stripped Barton of the captain’s armband as a result of the incident and did not award him a squad number for the new season.

He has three years remaining on his contract in West London but if he is granted a free transfer he could be on his way to Marseille before the window closes on Friday, having been heavily linked with the French side.