French giants uncertain over player’s future.
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Ligue 1 giants Marseille are set to abandon their interest in signing Joey Barton on a permanent deal this summer, according to Sky Sports.
Barton has repeated expressed his desire to return to the south of France having just spent the year on loan with the club from QPR, but coach Elie Baup has confessed that he is unsure that a deal will now go through.
Marseille are thought to be keen on signing Barton permanent after he impressed over 33 appearances last term, but if he can somehow wriggle himself free from QPR by cancelling his contract at the club.
Baup admitted that Marseille and Barton have agreed a deal in principal, but says everything depends on the west London side with the 30-year-old still having two further years to run on his contract at Loftus Road.
“Joey Barton’s comeback? I do not know how it will evolve,” Baup told French newspaper L’Equipe.
“The club and the player agreed about the challenge ahead, but he still belongs to QPR.”
Barton was sent out to Ligue 1 following his dismissal on the final day of the 2011-12 season when he punched Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero and was subsequently given a 12-match ban and fined £75,000.