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Joey Barton wants to play for his beloved Everton - and will take a 50 per cent pay-cut to make the move happen.

Barton is back at Queens Park Rangers after a year in exile on loan at French side Marseille, and Hoops boss Harry Redknapp is even considering playing him in Saturday's Championship season opener against Sheffield Wednesday.

But the fiery midfielder's agent has made contact with the Goodison club's new manager Roberto Martinez to ask if they want him.

Barton grew up on Merseyside as an Everton fan and is dreaming of a sensational switch in his characteristically unpredictable but single-minded style.

Talks about a massive pay-off at QPR to make a return to Marseille financially viable are faltering, leaving Barton to consider his dream option.

And the 30-year-old has now told the Toffees that he would accept half of his current £70,000-a-week salary to make it happen.

Barton is even willing to join Everton for training to prove that his fitness matches his desire - and Martinez is giving the idea serious thought.

The controversial star has been a target for the blue half of Merseyside many times before, with David Moyes often looking into the idea during his reign.

Finance was a problem in the past, but now Barton could help to make it happen.

QPR would be happy to get the former Manchester City and Newcastle man - whose last appearance for them was the notorious day when he was sent off at Man City on the final day of the 2011-12 season - off their payroll.

(Image: Getty)

Barton was cast out by then-boss Mark Hughes and although he respects successor Redknapp, an exit is still the best outcome.

Martinez is looking for additions to his squad and has to be interested in Barton for nothing and on a reduced wage.

The Everton manager heads out to America for a pre-season tour with that thought in mind - as Barton crosses fingers that his own fairytale comes true.