Sky Sports sources understand the future of Joey Barton has taken a new twist after it emerged his move to Marseille is still possible. It had appeared the Queens Park Rangers midfielder's switch to France was dead in the water after he earlier on Tuesday took to Twitter to reveal his doubts. But the deal has been resurrected, with QPR already understood to be prepared to offer Barton a free transfer in order to cut their ties with the player. Barton is currently serving a 12-game suspension as a result of his sending-off and violent conduct against former club Manchester City on the final day of last season. He has been stripped of the captaincy and remains without a squad number, while he spent pre-season with Football League new boys Fleetwood Town. Barton has three years left on his QPR contract and has most recently been training with the club's youngsters. QPR are expected to be very busy before Friday's transfer deadline and they are currently in talks with Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar. Ricardo Carvalho has this summer also been a target and the centre-back has been told by Real Madrid he is able to look for a new club.
I said the Barton to Marseille move might be off. Well now it might be back on. His agent - Willie McKay - has told BBC 5 live that a deal to take QPR midfielder to Marseille could happen tomorrow. McKay says the two clubs have resumed contact and he expects Barton to fly to France tommorow, with Stephen M'Bia heading in the opposite direction.
Doubt very much it's back on. Just another media twist to attract readers before the deadline. God I hope I'm proven wrong.
Crooked lips? M'bia ain't banned yet! I hope M'bia comes more than Barton goes, because we really need to get in a quality CDM, which is what he is (I hope!).
Joey Barton's agent, Willie Mackay: A deal will happen tomorrow with Joey flying out to Marseille and Stephane Mbia will arrive at QPR,"
