Queens Park Rangers' Harry Redknapp: 'Joey Barton's been as good as gold'

Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp has declared that Joey Barton may still have a future at Loftus Road after returning to training with the right attitude.

Barton has been linked with a permanent return to Marseille for much of the summer, with Everton also mentioned as a possible destination for the midfielder.

He told Sky Sports News: "Joey's been here, been as good as gold, trained hard, shown a great attitude and not been a minute's problem since I've worked with him.

"He went to Marseille last year, was great at Marseille, played every game almost in a team that qualified for the Champions League. He's here and if he's good enough to play, he'll play."

Barton's agent Willie McKay confirmed earlier this week that he has spoken to Everton manager Roberto Martinez about his client, but no official bid has been lodged at this stage.