Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo has hinted the club may look to keep Joey Barton beyond his loan spell from Queens Park Rangers, and tie him down to a permanent deal.
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Barton, who joined the nine-time Ligue 1 champions on loan in the off-season, has had to wait for his opportunity after serving a 12-match ban for his shameful red card at former club Manchester City on the final day of last season.
Since making his debut, however, the 30-year-old midfielder has been an integral part of a Marseille side who find themselves in a three-way tie with Paris St-Germain and Lyon for first place.
Anigo has praised Barton's impact on the side and insists the hardman has had nothing but a positive effect on the team.
He told L'Equipe: "We can see that the team has been lifted by his competitive spirit. He is now established as a leader in our group.
"He was described as an animal, but he is just the opposite. He is funny, intelligent, and he fights for victory."
The Mediterrean outfit may look to sign Barton permanently at the end of the season, should he not wish to return to QPR, who currently sit bottom of the Premier League standings.
Anigo added: "He is very happy here, maybe he has found the right club for him. Should he desire (to stay) it could be very good. We have a very good relationship with his club QPR.
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