Joey Barton remains suspended by Rangers but Ibrox future looks bleak

But his Gers career is almost certainly over as he edges closer to the exit door just months after clinching a headline grabbing move to Scottish football.

The midfielder was banished from Auchenhowie after a bust-up with boss Mark Warburton and has been banned on full pay since September 19.

He returned to Glasgow with representative Eddy Jennings for talks with Gers chiefs on Thursday afternoon and the club are now considering their next move.

Read more: Mark Warburton confident Rangers fans are behind him and hopes time is on his side at Ibrox

SportTimes understands it is unlikely that Barton will be sacked and he could now return to action at the Gers’ Auchenhowie base.

But there is almost no chance that he will add to his eight appearances in Light Blue and turn out for Warburton’s side again following their furious exchange in the aftermath of the 5-1 defeat at Parkhead.

Rangers could reach a decision over what their next course of action will be within a week and a January exit would seem to be the best outcome for both parties.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche this week refused to rule out a switch that would see Barton return to Turf Moor just months after he quit the Clarets to sign a two-year deal at Ibrox.

The former Newcastle, Manchester City and QPR star has not played since that Old Firm defeat on September 10 and if he was allowed to return to training to boost his fitness that could pave the way for a club south of the border to make a move during the January transfer window.

No further talks are planned at present but Barton is likely to have to report to Ibrox again as the disciplinary process continues.

There appears to be no way back for the midfielder, though, as an early exit continues to look like the most probable conclusion to the Ibrox saga.