Redknapp: Barton wants QPR payday

QPR manager Harry Redknapp has hinted that Joey Barton is keen for his contract with the club to be terminated.

Barton is believed to be keen on a permanent move to Marseille, the club where he spent last season on loan, but the 30-year-old still has two years left on his current deal.

As a result, Redknapp feels Barton will want to have his contract ended and be compensated for it also.

“He wants to go to Marseille and he did very well there last year, but he’s got two years left of his deal here,” the former Tottenham boss said.

“I think he’s looking for the club to give him a payday here and then he’ll go. I don’t know how it’s all going to end.”

Barton was sent on loan to Marseille after falling out of favour with former QPR manager Mark Hughes, with Stephane Mbia heading in the other direction on a permanent deal.

Former Newcastle man Barton tweeted on Wednesday: “Up and off to training today. First day back. Like a new term at school. Albeit a school you were once expelled from.”