The Rams’ boss has reportedly extended an invitation to the released star.
Derby County manager Steve McClaren has offered released Rangers midfielder Joey Barton the chance to train with the club whilst he assesses his options, according to the Daily Mail.
Barton’s Ibrox contract was terminated by mutual consent after less than six months at the club following his disciplinary and legal troubles.
The 34-year-old joined the Glasgow side after leaving Burnley despite the Lancashire side’s promotion, but was suspended in September after a training ground altercation with teammate Andy Halliday.
The following month, he was charged by the Scottish FA with breaking the country’s rules relating to gambling on football matches, and on Thursday, exactly two months after his last appearance for the club, his contract was ripped up by mutual consent.
The midfielder, plagued by controversy throughout his career, now faces a big decision as to his next move, with this latest episode likely to have put off many potential suitors.
However, according to the Daily Mail, Steve McClaren, with whom Barton worked during his time at QPR, has offered the former Newcastle man the chance to train with the East Midlands club whilst he considers his options.
The report claims that the Rams were weighing up a possible move for the one-time England international, but presumably he will have to prove that both his fitness and mindset are good enough before any contract is drawn up.
Though his track record is hardly perfect, Barton does have experience to add to a side, with over 400 senior competitive appearances to his name across a 14-year professional career.
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