Former Manchester City and England midfielder Joey Barton is on the verge of signing a deal to join Rangers.

STV understands that the 33-year-old is holding talks with the Ibrox club over a two-year contract, with discussions at an advanced stage.

Barton visited Murray Park and Ibrox on Saturday ahead of the switch, with Mark Warburton looking to strengthen his squad before next season's Scottish Premiership campaign.

The midfielder could be a free agent this summer as he is yet to agree a new deal with Burnley following their promotion to the Premier League.

The 33-year-old has also played for Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and Marseille, also picking up a cap for the England national team.

Rangers' head of recruitment Frank McParland signed Barton whilst at Burnley and has now made a move to work with the midfielder again.

Quoted in the Burnley Express earlier this month, Barton revealed his hopes for the summer.

"There's a desire for me to be here, that hasn't changed, but at 33, stroke 34, I don't know whether I want to stay for a year, that's the reality of it," he said.

"We'll sit down and negotiate, I'd like to stay here longer. At this stage of my career it's not financial, there's no financial angle for me, I just want a bit of stability.

"My eldest child is about to start school so I want to put some roots down somewhere."