Marseille interested in permanent deal for 'leader' Barton

Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo has praised Joey Barton and suggested the Ligue 1 club would be interested in retaining the midfielder beyond his season-long loan from QPR.

The 30-year-old Barton was sent out on loan by the London club in disgrace this summer following his red card shame at former club Manchester City on the final day of last season, which brought him a 12-match ban.