QPR fans enjoying the renaissance of Joey Barton have been warned – his boss thinks there is a big chance the midfielder will still leave before the transfer window shuts.

Barton’s £70,000-a-week wages have been the stumbling block to any exit, with last season’s loan club Marseille demanding he takes a 60 per cent cut in exchange for a permanent deal.

The player’s boyhood idols Everton were also sounded out, but there were no takers at Goodison either.

However, Harry Redknapp believes he may only have Barton (pic) for another couple of weeks.

He said: “Where they’re big earners you have to balance the books, and that’s what we’re doing.

“I think Joey would have gone to Marseille, but I’m not sure what the deal is with them. He’s enjoying playing, showing great enthusiasm.

“If he wanted to go, I would say good luck to him.”

The once bad boy at Loftus Road has been more saint than sinner under his new manager who admits he would be happy to keep him if there are no takers.

Redknapp said: “Joey’s playing ever so well, he’s in the team on merit, he’s been excellent.

“Not only has he been good as a player, he’s not been a minute’s problem as a person. I can only take him as I find.

"I only knew Joey very slightly before but since I’ve been here he’s trained hard, worked hard, played well, not done anything silly and got on with his football.”

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