Queens Park Rangers are reportedly exploring all avenues to try to dismiss Joey Barton from the Premier League outfit following the midfielder's heavy sanction dealt by the Football Association.
The R's captain was handed a 12-match ban after being found guilty of violent conduct in his side's 3-2 defeat to Manchester City in the final game of the season.
It is understood that the QPR board are attempting to discover if they can sack the former Newcastle United playmaker for gross misconduct or a breach of contract, according to The Telegraph.
While it appears unlikely that the West London club will have grounds to tear up Barton's contract, reports have claimed that the former Championship side will try to offload the controversial player this summer or in January if no suitors present themselves in the next few months.
Barton was given a four-match suspension for the red card issued to him during the clash at the Etihad Stadium for elbowing Carlos Tevez, while an additional eight-match ban was put in force for kicking Sergio Aguero and appearing to headbutt Vincent Kompany.
Danielle Joynson
