Marseille deny M´Bia QPR-bound

Marseille have denied an agreement has been reached with QPR for the transfer of defensive midfielder Stephane M’Bia.

The 26-year-old, who has 36 caps for Cameroon, had been tipped for a move to Loftus Road, as Joey Barton is currently undergoing a medical with the French club.

Despite M’Bia announcing he had chosen to move to QPR over Turkish side Fenerbahce, Marseille insist the deal has not been completed.

“Right now there is no agreement,” a Marseille official told AFP.

“M’Bia was possibly getting ahead of himself. He did not play (in the Europa League game with Sheriff Tiraspol) because he is in transfer negotiations.”

Barton has been pictured at Marseille’s training ground on Thursday in the club’s training kit running alongside a member of the backroom staff.

Earlier on Thursday, QPR announced a fee had been agreed with Real Madrid for the signing of midfielder Esteban Granero. The 25-year-old will move to Loftus Road, subject to a medical and contract negotiations.