RANGERS could bring an end to the Joey Barton saga sooner rather than later as the midfielder edges towards the Ibrox exit door.
Barton’s representatives have held discussions with Gers chiefs over a pay-off that will see the 34-year-old quit the club after just eight appearances for Mark Warburton’s side.
The Englishman penned a two-year deal worth around £20,000 per week when he became the highest profile signing of the summer in Scottish football and completed a switch from Burnley.
But the transfer coup has turned into a nightmare for Warburton and an expensive mistake for Rangers as the manager’s star signing has hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Barton is now in line to receive a six-figure sum that will close the book on his Ibrox career after a tumultuous few months north of the border.
Having already budgeted to cover his contract until the end of next season, the Gers were prepared to let the midfielder run down the remaining time on his deal even though it was clear that he would never play for Warburton again.
The Englishman was still due almost £2million under the terms of his Ibrox agreement when he was initially suspended by the club.
Signing off a cheque of that size was never an option, though, and a cut-price agreement is now set to be struck.
Barton has not turned out for the Light Blues since the 5-1 Old Firm defeat to Celtic in September and was banished from Auchenhowie after a bust-up with team-mate Andy Halliday and boss Warburton.
After a suspension that lasted several weeks, Barton returned to the Gers’ base on Thursday and trained with the Development Squad due to stress.
But he has not been seen in Glasgow since and is now set to agree a deal that will see his contract ripped up and free him to join another club during the January transfer window.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche has previously refused to rule out a return to Turf Moor for Barton after a superb season last term that saw him lead the Clarets to the Championship title.
It is understood that Leeds United are also interested in the midfielder and boss Garry Monk could turn to Barton as he looks to guide his side to a play-off spot this season.
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 his Rangers fate could already have been decided by then.
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