Marseille are hoping to make Joey Barton’s loan move from QPR a permanent switch at the end of the season.

The midfielder moved to France over the summer after falling out of favour with the Premier League strugglers.

Barton has had a successful spell at the Stade Velodrome so far, settling into the first-team and making eight appearances.

Marseille are impressed with the 30-year-old and have stated their willingness to extend his spell at the club:

"We haven't started the discussions yet with QPR but he's a likeable lad and we want to keep him, although we have no guarantees.” The club’s sporting director Jose Anigo told Sky Sports.

"We have very good relations with QPR and extending the loan could be on the cards.

"He likes it in Marseille, he loves this city, which breathes football.”

Barton is seen as somewhat of a controversial figure in English football, with a series of off-field issues leading to a reputation as a troublemaker.

However, Anigo praised the former Manchester City man’s approach, and believes that a lot of the club’s other players could learn from him:

"He has a good attitude. He's a good professional in his work and in his day-to-day commitment. A lot of French players should take their example from him.”

Barton started his senior career with Manchester City before a series of incidents led to his eventual departure.

He joined Newcastle in 2007 and then switched to QPR four years later.

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