Joey Barton passes Marseille medical

Joey Barton is nearing a Premier League exit after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms with Ligue 1 outfit Marseille.

The Queens Park Rangers midfielder has long been linked with a move away from the club after a number of disciplinary problems.

He is currently serving a 12-match ban following his actions in Rangers' dramatic final-day defeat to Manchester City and was not issued a squad number by Hoops boss Mark Hughes.

Barton's suspension does not apply abroad and the 29-year-old is keen to move to France in order to play regular football.

Marseille have agreed to take the one-time England international on a season-long loan, provided that Stephane Mbia completes his move in the opposite direction.