Joey Barton: 'Queens Park Rangers want me to return'

Joey Barton has revealed that Queens Park Rangers are keen to bring him back to Loftus Road from his loan stint at Marseille.

The 30-year-old has been open about his desire to remain at the Ligue 1 club, but has admitted that a deal could be scuppered given QPR's intent to use Barton's services in their Championship campaign next season.

"I'm in a good position because Marseille wants me to stay and I would like to stay," the London Evening Standard quotes Barton as saying.

"It would be much simpler if QPR did not want me, which was the case last year, but things have changed a bit there.

"Marseille for me would be ideal, but who knows what can happen between now and the start of next season."

Barton was shipped out to Marseille under former QPR manager Mark Hughes after he was issued with a 12-match ban for violent conduct.