The Press association are reporting that QPR have been given permission to talk to Joey Barton about a possible transfer.

The Newcastle midfielder is available for free and has been linked with a host of clubs.

The Magpies made the player available after a succession of tweets regarding the future of the club and how it was being run.

Toon boss Alan Pardew played Barton in his side’s opening two matches of the season and it seemed the player could be staying at St James’s Park.

However QPR are keen to bring in reinforcements before the transfer window ends next Wednesday and Barton looks like the marquee signing new owner Tony Fernandes has been looking for.

Rangers have had a bid turned down for Scott Parker and have also been linked with Joe Cole, Peter Crouch and Jermaine Jenas.