Barton will be suspended for the first 12 games of the season after his red card and violent behaviour in the final match of last season against Manchester City in May.

He has spent part of pre-season at League Two club Fleetwood Town and was this week stripped of his squad number at Loftus Road.

Reports have surfaced about a possible move to Marseille, but Hughes said there has only been initial contact with the Ligue 1 club.

"There has been interest shown by Marseille but there has been no offer made," he said.

"There has been a few e-mails sent back and forth but nothing concrete yet.

"We hope there might be an opportunity for him to go to another club on loan but that has not developed as yet but may well do in the next few days."

Hughes was also asked about the possibility of bringing in defender Jose Bosingwa on a free transfer following his release by Chelsea.

"We're having discussions with him and his advisors," he said.

"We think we're very close to bringing him in."

Reports emerged late Friday indicating the Portuguese fullback had signed a three-year deal with the club.