QPR ponder Barton loan

Joey Barton has suggested QPR are considering loaning him out at the start of the season — something which might see him serve his 12-match ban more quickly than if he stayed put.

Barton is currently suspended until November after being sent off against Manchester City on the final day of the last Premier League campaign and clashing with Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany as he left the field.

But the 29-year-old midfielder, who is due to train with npower League Two club Fleetwood Town this week, could return to action in October if he is allowed to join a lower league club on loan.