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Report: Joey Barton wanted by Derby County as Leeds United withdraw interest

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 11 November 2016

A report claims that Rangers reject Joey Barton has been offered the chance to train with Derby County, where he will link up with former boss Steve McClaren.

Leeds United have reportedly pulled out of the running to sign Joey Barton, but Derby County could offer the free agent a Championship lifeline.

The 34-year-old is on the search for a new club after seeing his contract with Scottish Premiership side Rangers terminated on Thursday, bringing an end to his tumultuous spell at Ibrox.

Leeds were strongly linked with the experienced midfielder, having supposedly made a move for him before he joined Burnley in 2015, but the Daily Record claims that the Yorkshire outfit are no longer interested in bringing him to the club.

Derby could be in the running to land Barton, however, with the same report suggesting that Steve McClaren - who handed the controversial star his only England cap when in charge of the Three Lions - has offered him the chance to train with the Rams.

Barton made six appearances for Rangers in all competitions, five of which came in the top flight, but his time in Glasgow turned sour following a training ground bust-up with Andy Halliday.