QPR discuss Mbia as Barton has medical

QPR have reopened talks with Marseille over Stephane Mbia, who could move to Loftus Road with Joey Barton heading in the opposite direction.

West London Sport revealed earlier this month that a deal to send Barton to the French club on loan had been discussed after Rangers expressed an interest in Mbia.

The Cameroon international, 26, can play as a centre-back or in midfield and has been made available by the French club.

Marseille initially suggested the Barton move would only happen if Rangers bought Mbia, who has also attracted interest from Stoke.

By last weekend the Mbia deal had not progressed and Rangers, believing the move would not go through before the transfer deadline, abandoned talks and focused on other targets.

But Marseille’s interest in Barton remained and with the former Newcastle midfielder having subsequently inched closer to agreeing personal terms, the two clubs are again negotiating over a possible exchange.

Barton is due to undergo the second part of a medical later today and Rangers are hoping to offload him even if they do not agree the signing of Mbia.

They are still trying to persuade Michael Dawson to move to west London, having recently had a bid for the defender accepted by Tottenham.

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