Joey Barton has been linked with a loan move to Blackburn Rovers.

The controversial midfielder will miss the first 12 matches of the new season with Queens Park Rangers, following his dismissal on the final day of last season.

Mark Hughes still believes Barton has a future at Loftus Road, and he is planning to loan the 29-year-old out to Blackburn which would help run down his ban.

As Rovers are in the Championship they will play more games this season, which could see the former Newcastle United man ‘miss’ 12 games in a shorter space of time.

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