Queens Park Rangers confirm Barton is training with Fleetwood Town

Queens Park Rangers have confirmed that suspended midfielder Joey Barton has been given permission to train with new League Two outfit Fleetwood Town.

It was reported last night that Barton might be heading to Fleetwood with the player confirming it himself on his Twitter feed shortly after, and now QPR have made an official announcement on the matter.

"Queens Park Rangers can confirm we have given Joey Barton permission to train with Fleetwood Town," the club said in a statement.

"The first team squad are currently on their way back from a hugely successful tour of Asia and are now looking forward with anticipation to the remainder of pre-season and the start of the Barclays Premier League campaign."

Barton is to serve a 12-match ban for his actions on the final day of last season.