Andre pushing for Marseille exit

In his bid to boost his international hopes, Ghana international, Andre Ayew is preparing to leave French side, Marseille.

Andre, 19, who captained Ghana to the Under-20 World Cup title earlier this month and is pushing for a place back in the senior squad, the Black Stars with two major competitions coming up next year.

Having earned 15 caps with the senior team, Andre wants to be part of the Ghana party for the African Nations Cup in January and next summer's World Cup, which will be the first to be held on African soil.

Despite his dad, Abedi Pele Ayew, who also played for Marseille insisting that the 19 year-old will be a hit at the Stade Velodrome, the youngster appears ready to make a permanent move in the January transfer window to a more high-profile club which can also offer him regular first-team football.

Andre, who has struggled to hold down a place at Marseille had an unsuccessful trial at Hertha Berlin this summer before joining second division side Arles-Avagnon on loan until the end of the season.

"For me, Marseille gave me permission to leave in August," he told skysports.com.

"I'm an ambitious player and playing on loan at Arles-Avignon has not brought my playing level down, even if it is Ligue 2.

"I'm really excited about this year and I want to be involved in the African Nations Cup and the World Cup, where my country has a great chance of doing very well.

"If I don't play week-in, week-out I can't go to those two tournaments, which are huge for my young career."

Ayew has so far made nine appearances for Marseille and spent last season on loan at fellow Ligue 1 side Lorient, scoring three times in 22 games.

However, Marseille's sport director, Jose Anigo, insists that Ayew is still part of their plans and they are only willing to let him go for good money.

"He is a very good player and he can't be transferred unless we receive an exceptional offer for him," said Anigo.

"He is part of a great future for Marseille and will be part of the team in June."