Marseille's controversial English midfielder Joey Barton wished Loic Remy good luck at his former club Newcastle United on Sunday even though the striker's transfer has yet to be officially rubberstamped.

Barton, 30, tweeted his best wishes to Remy, who has been sought after by Newcastle and fellow strugglers Queens Park Rangers during the January transfer window.

However, the 26-year-old French international rejected QPR even though they offered double the wages that Newcastle are offering.

"Good luck to Loic Remy in Newcastle. Don't worry I've told him what to expect. Great guy. Perfect club for him," tweeted Barton, who has built up a massive following on his twitter account.

Remy, capped 17 times, has not been a regular starter for Ligue 1 title contenders Marseille this season but will be joining a Newcastle side that are just two points above the relegation zone, though a drab 0-0 draw at Norwich on Saturday ended a run of four consecutive defeats.