JOEY BARTON has left Rangers after his contract was terminated on Thursday afternoon.

The midfielder penned a two-year deal at Ibrox in the summer as he became the highest profile signing in Scottish football ahead of the Gers' return to the Premiership.

But he made just eight appearances for Mark Warburton's side before a dressing room bust-up that was the beginning of the end for his Ibrox career.

The 34-year-old was involved in a row with team-mate Andy Halliday and boss Warburton in the aftermath of the 5-1 Old Firm defeat at Parkhead.

He was suspended for several weeks before returning to Auchenhowie last Thursday to train with the Gers' Under-20 squad.

Barton completed just one session with Graeme Murty's side before leaving the training ground for the final time.

Despite still having around 18 months left on his £20,000-per-week contract, the Englishman has now accepted a settlement in the region of £250,000  to terminate his deal.

A club statement read: "Rangers and Joey Barton have agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect. Neither Rangers nor Joey Barton will comment further."

With his Rangers saga now over, Barton is free to clinch a move to a club south of the border to resume his career.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche has previously refused to rule out a return to Turf Moor for the midfielder after he lead the Clarets to the Championship title last term.

Writing on Twitter, Barton said: "I'd like to thank the supporters of Rangers for their incredible support during my time at the club. Wish you all the best for the future."

The former Newcastle, Man City and QPR star is also facing an SFA charge over allegations that he breached betting rules earlier this season.

Barton is accused of 44 wagers on matches between July and September and requested an extension from the Hampden hierarchy to prepare for his hearing.

He is due to report to the National Stadium next Wednesday but he will not do so as a Rangers player.