Barton Set for QPR

Premier League new boys QPR are ready to smash their wage structure to offer midfielder Joey Barton a £30,000-a-week pay rise. Barton was having a medical last night after telling a friend: “I’ll talk to QPR because Newcastle don’t want me, so I have to go somewhere.” He later tweeted: “Going for a medical now, still no contract offer from NUFC... think that just about makes my mind up. Don’t want to leave Newcastle. I’ve made that clear but my hands are tied.”Barton has less than 12 months on his £70,000-a-week deal at St James’ Park after being refused a new contract and dumped on the transfer list following a fall-out with boss Alan Pardew. He made matters worse with a blistering attack, saying the club lacked ambition under owner Mike Ashley. However, Barton, 28, played in both Newcastle’s Premier League games this season After his £35m takeover, new majority shareholder Tony Fernandes made the quest for Barton part of a charm-offensive, also cutting ticket prices after massive increases this summer