QPR are preparing to release Joey Barton from his contract.

The Daily Mail says Barton is desperate to leave Loftus Road this summer after being frozen out of Mark Hughes's first-team plans.

Marseille want to take Barton on a season-long loan, and the 29-year-old has already tweeted his intention to make the move to France. Talks over a proposed free transfer were at an advanced stage on Monday.

QPR are desperate to get Barton's £70,000-a-week wages off the bill, particularly as the midfielder has no future at the west London club.