Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo has revealed that the club is interested in keeping Joey Barton beyond his season-long loan spell.

Parent club Queens Park Rangers sent Barton to the French club for a season following his red card and subsequent 12-match ban on the final day of the last campaign.

However, the 30-year-old has quickly established himself as a key member of Marseille's title-challenging side, and Anigo believes that the controversial midfielder may have finally found a club to suit him.

"He was described as an animal, but he is just the opposite. He is funny, intelligent, and he fights for victory," Anigo told L'Equipe.

"We can see that the team has been lifted by his competitive spirit. He is now established as a leader in our group.

"He is very happy here, maybe he has found the right club for him. Should he desire [to stay] it could be very good. We have a very good relationship with his club QPR."

Marseille currently sit third in the Ligue 1 table, level on points with Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon above them.