Midfielder Alou Diarra has failed to return for pre-season training with Marseille.

The 31-year-old is reportedly keen to seal a move away from the club before the transfer window closes at the end of next month.

Despite refusing to train with his teammates at the squad's current base in Switzerland, coach Elie Baup has insisted that the French international still remains a key part of his plans.

"At the moment I can say that he hasn't been here for the first two days when he should have been. Every day he has been marked down as absent," Baup said.

"I left him a message on Monday. I told him, 'You know that we're really counting on you'. I haven't had a reply."

Some reports have claimed that Diarra is currently holidaying in New York.

Written by
Liam Apicella