Marseille stand firm over Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal target Andre Ayew
MARSEILLE coach Elie Baup has said Andre Ayew will not be leaving the club this summer.

Ayew has clashed with Baup over his desire to play as a central striker rather that out on the wing, and had been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer.

But Baup, backed by Marseille president Vincent Labrune, has now emphatically stated that the player will not be allowed to leave.

Asked about Ayew's future, Baup said: "Let me be clear: I am counting on all the players who are here."

But Baup also confirmed that he would not be indulging the player's positional preference in the upcoming Ligue 1 campaign, after Ayew continued to feature as a winger during pre-season friendlies.

He added: "Who has promised to change our structure? Certainly not me."

Baup's comments suggests that Ayew's somewhat tumultuous relationship with Marseille may be set to continue and could encourage Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal to keep tabs on the Ghana international as the season unfolds.

Marseille reportedly turned down a £5m bid from Arsenal for Ayew back in 2010, while Manchester United may well have moved on following the arrival of David Moyes.

Last month Ayew expressed his hope that Liverpool would be the club to bring him to the Premier League.

He said: "The English league would be a dream.

"It is the most followed league in Ghana so, yes, I have a big preference for England.

"I've always supported Liverpool."

Ayew scored ten goals in 39 appearances for Marseille last season.