Marseille new coach Elie Baup is keen on building his team around Ghana international Andre Ayew and plans using him as a midfielder more often than not.
Andre Ayew has never hidden his desire to play in the midfield. In the past two seasons, the youngster has made a name of himself by playing down the left flank despite the fact that he feels more comfortable in the central midfield position.
Under Didier Deschamps, Ayew had become a left-sided winger. However, with Elie Baup on the bench, there will certainly be a few changes. Yesterday, in a preseason game against Nimes, Andre Ayew was used as an attacking midfielder in support of Andre-Pierre Gignac.
Ayew gave a good performance in that position but was eventually replaced by new signing Florian Raspentino.
However, while talking to media, Baup hinted that he might consider using Ayew as a midfielder more often than not next season.
�Anything is possible, I took advantage of absences for testing purposes.�
However, it is impossible not to discuss the situation of the player on the transfer market. Under contract at the Velodrome until 2014, the left-footed player�s exit clause is set at 18 million euros which acts as a deterrent to other clubs given the current state of the market.
However, Olympique de Marseille will not be stubborn in their resolve to keep hold of the player if a good offer arrives. Although Ayew�s sale is not a preferred option, the club is in dire need of cash.
Ayew on the other hand, does not want to force a move away from the Canebiere. However, if an interesting proposal came up, Ayew will certainly be tempted. Meanwhile, with Baup looking to play Ayew where he wants to play, the Ghana international might consider his future at the club with more enthusiasm.
Attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal and Bayern Munich, the 22-year-old�s future at the Rhone club may also come down to Elie Baup�s tactics.
Ayew, a product of Marseille�s youth academy, scored eight goals and provided three assists in Ligue 1 for Les Phoceens last season.
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