Ghana midfielder Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew’s future with Marseille is hanging by a thread after he was declared surplus to requirements by the French side.
The 19-year-old, son of legend Abedi Pele, is among four players who have not convinced new coach Didier Deschamps.
Ayew along with Salim Arrache, Guy Gnabouyou and Amine Dennoun are to be sold or loaned out, a club source has exclusively told Ghanasoccernet.
French newspaper France Football is even reporting that the quartet is not part of Marseille's pre-season preparation in Evian.
The Ghanaian was sent out on loan to Lorient last season but his return to his parent club was shrouded in secrecy until the latest revelation.
He was expected to return to the Marseille first team this season after gaining some experience with Lorient.
But the signing of six players so far in the off-season means the Ghanaian has been further squeezed out of the team which was already packed with experienced players.
Cyril Rool become Marseille's sixth summer signing after Lucho Gonzalez, Edouard Cisse, Charley Fomen, Souleymane Diawara and Stephane M'Bia.
Coach Didier Deschamps' squad could further increase in number with Rapid Bucharest goalkeeper Elinton Andrade's transfer waiting to be confirmed.
Ex-Juventus boss Deschamps is also interested in Lille centre-back Adil Rami.
This could have far-reaching consequences for Ayew who must be active to be able to lead Ghana’s U-20 team at the World Youth Championship in September in Egypt.