Queens Park Rangers considering loaning out Joey Barton

Queens Park Rangers are reportedly open to the possibility of loaning out Joey Barton to a Football League club to speed up the midfielder's return from a 12-match suspension.

Barton was handed the punishment by the Football Association as a result of his conduct during the final day of last season against Manchester City.

Under FA rules, Barton is allowed to serve his ban with another club. Due to the volume of matches in the Football League, the 29-year-old would be able to return to action sooner than he would if he remained at Loftus Road.

With that in mind, a temporary switch is something that the R's are strongly considering, according to BBC Sport.

The club have already confirmed that Barton will attend pre-season training with League Two side Fleetwood Town.