QPR are ready to hand Joey Barton a free transfer.

Mercato365 says Marseille president Vincent Labrune is willing to sign Barton permanently after an impressive first four months on-loan in France.

Labrune has already met with Barton's agent, Willie McKay, to outline the prospect of an outright transfer and learned that QPR are prepared to grant him a release from his contract.

Barton now must accept a hefty pay-cut to make the move happen.