Marseille president Vincent Labrune has revealed that Joey Barton was offered to the club last week.

The QPR captain is eagerly searching for a new club following the west London side's relegation from the Premier League and it has come to light that his agent has sought a move to Marseille for next season.

Barton spent the 2012/13 season with the French club but will not be returning anytime soon according to Labrune who is intent on developing youngsters.

"The agent called me last week to offer me Joey for next year but I don't think so," he told the Daily Mail of the 32-year old midfielder.

"We are focused on the young players. We love Joey here, he left us with fantastic memories, but no, the only market we are interested in from England is the very young player."

Labrune continued by heaping praise on the former Manchester City and Newcastle United man: "This is a club where we give people warm welcomes.

"His strong personality worked well here. OM is a club where there is a lot more pressure.

"From the media and the fans - more than other French clubs - therefore we have to sign solid personalities, robust players who are ready for combat and we were happy Joey was like that.

"We weren't scared of Barton's reputation. The way he carried himself on the field and off it here were absolutely remarkable."