Barton hopeful of Marseille move

PARIS (AFP) –

Joey Barton, pictured in March 2012, said via Twitter on Sunday that he hopes a move to Marseille will go through

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton, pictured in March 2012, said via Twitter on Sunday that he hopes a mooted loan move to French Ligue 1 club Marseille will go through this week.

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton said via Twitter on Sunday that he hopes a mooted loan move to French Ligue 1 club Marseille will go through this week.

In a series of tweets on Sunday, Barton said “Marseille won again as well. Allez les Marseillais. Maybe I’ll see you all this week?

“I am hopefully (sic) that things will be sorted out soon. Other clubs are in but I only want to play in Marseille. This is the place for me…

“Hopefully, QPR and Marseille can finalise the deal in the next few days. My heart is already in the Velodrome,” he added, in reference to the home of the club, whose 1-0 win at Montpellier on Sunday saw them move top of Ligue 1.

Marseille were first linked with Barton earlier this month.

The player, who turns 30 in September, is currently serving a 12-match ban from English football as a punishment for a red card and subsequent conduct on the final day of last season against Manchester City.