Marseille manager Elie Baup has confirmed that the French giants have reached an agreement with Joey Barton over a return to Ligue 1.
Barton spent last season on loan with Marseille from Queens Park Rangers, but is still under contract at Loftus Road.
Baup revealed that after agreeing personal terms with the midfielder, Marseille will now talk to QPR with the hope of securing the 30-year-old on a permanent deal.
He told reporters: "There is an agreement between the club and himself but he belongs to Queens Park Rangers."
Barton's £70,000-a-week deal in West London still has two years left to run, with both parties still seeking an early resolution to that contract.
