• Premier League

Barton keen on Marseille switch

Fabien Perrin
August 24, 2012
Joey Barton is keen on a move to Marseille © PA Photos
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Joey Barton's agent says the QPR midfielder is keen to move to Marseille on loan, but the 12-match ban hanging over him remains a potential stumbling block to any transfer.

With the departure of Alou Diarra to West Ham and the mooted exit of Stephane M'Bia - possibly to QPR - l'OM are looking for a midfielder.

And the Ligue 1 club believe Barton fits the bill, with the former Newcastle and Manchester City player looking to leave Loftus Road as he has been frozen out by manager Mark Hughes.

''Joey wants to play in Marseille this season," agent Willie McKay told RMC. "We are negotiating, but nothing is done for now. I don't want to comment more with respect for [manager] Jose Anigo and the president Vincent Labrune."

Barton's loan appears to be a good solution for all parties, but the 12-match ban he received for an incident against Manchester City on the final day of last season is a concern for Marseille.

It was originally thought that the suspension would not be transferred to another league if the midfielder were to move abroad, but it now appears certain that Ligue 1 would enforce the FA ban.

After QPR's defeat against Swansea City in last week's Premier League opener, Barton is suspended for another 11 games and it is now up to Marseille whether they want to gamble on a player who would not be available to play until November.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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