Tottenham midfielder Moussa Sissoko wants to leave the club in the summer to enhance his chances of playing for France in the 2018 World Cup and has begun talks with Marseille over a big-money exit, according to a report.
French outlet Journal du Dimanche claim that the 27-year-old is keen to leave Spurs after being told by France manager Didier Deschamps that he needs regular football to earn an international call-up.
It is understood that Sissoko has held initial talks with European giants Marseille as he searches for a new club and met with their sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta in April for discussions, while also meeting their experienced defender Patrice Evra.
The report details that the player is keen to secure a move in the next few weeks before his holiday and that Marseille are willing to pay £21.5million for his services.
However, Marseille may face competition from AC Milan, Inter Milan, Chinese clubs and teams from the Premier League after further interest.
Sissoko wants to quit Spurs are just one year with the north London club and he has struggled following his £30million move on deadline-day last summer from Newcastle.
The versatile midfielder has operated in both central and wide areas, but has failed to cement a permanent position in Mauricio Pochettino’s starting line-up.
He failed to score during his 34 appearances for the club and was mainly used as a substitute.
Sissoko earned his move following a fantastic campaign with France at Euro 2016 as they reached the final, before losing to Portugal in the final.
His best form has come in a France shirt and he has 50 caps for his country, but is in serious danger of missing out on the next World Cup if his club form doesn’t improve.