Joey Barton's agent Willie McKay has confirmed that an approach has been made to Everton manager Roberto Martinez over the midfielder possibly moving to Goodison Park.
The former Newcastle United player, who grew up as an Everton fan, spent last season on loan at Marseille after being hit with a 12-match ban while playing for Queens Park Rangers.
Despite Barton publicly claiming that he would consider leaving QPR for a permanent stay in Marseille, it has been claimed that the midfielder is willing to take a pay cut to join the Toffees.
"I spoke to Roberto to see if he would be interested in taking Joey," the Daily Mail quotes McKay as saying.
"I told him that Joey would love to join Everton and that they are the only club he willing to lose money to play for."
The 30-year-old is believed to be currently earning £70,000 per week.
