The midfielder had been rumoured to be closing in on a loan move to the Ligue 1 club after falling out of Hughes' plans due to the 12-match ban he is currently serving for violent conduct.

And, despite the transfer having seemingly fallen through earlier in the week, Hughes admitted discussions over the Huyton-born midfielder's future will resume.

"There may be some movement in that regard," Hughes told Sky Sports.

"I think there are further discussions that will be made, possibly his people and representatives of our club will get over to France and have discussions and see where we go with it.

"But it's not dead yet. I think at one point everyone thought it was. But it has resurfaced so we will investigate to its conclusion."

Barton's ban stems from his attack on Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero on the final day of last season, an incident which resulted in him losing the club captaincy.