Marseille have put two of their star players on the transfer list after a furious dressing room row.
England Under-21 international Jonathan Rowe, 22, formerly of Norwich is one, while former Manchester United target and France international Adrien Rabiot, 29, is the other.
The result of the almighty showdown after Marseille’s 1-0 defeat by Rennes is that both are up for sale, as confirmed in a statement by the club, referencing their ‘unacceptable behaviour’.
‘The decision has been taken in agreement with the technical staff and in accordance with the club’s internal code of conduct’, the club added.
Sunderland and Bologna are understood to be interested in Rowe, while Juventus – Rabiot’s old club – could return for the midfielder.
Rabiot turned down a move to United when his contract expired in Turin two years ago, citing their ongoing struggles, he told the Athletic: ‘I felt a bit of reticence about whether United were going to be able to go on and achieve great things. Because they’re in a bit of a hole at the moment.’
Adrien Rabiot (left) has been transfer listed along with Jonathan Rowe (right)
Roberto De Zerbi criticised his players after allowing them to squabble in the dressing room
Rowe helped the England Under-21s to the European Championship crown this summer.
The players were told about the club’s decision on Monday and it followed their ugly bust-up last Friday night.
According to RMC Sport, Rowe was accused of not putting in enough effort by Rabiot.
He was also targeted by a number of other players in the dressing room and there was said to be shoving and insults thrown in both directions.
The mood reportedly turned toxic as several key names voiced their frustrations and manager Roberto De Zerbi delivered a crude speech.
The ex-Brighton boss reportedly allowed the players to argue among themselves before interjecting: ‘The others beat us on the pitch, and we come in here and fight among ourselves.
‘You know what that means? That we have small balls. In Marseille, we need to have big ones.’
Marseille had put out a strong side for their season opener in Rennes, with former Premier League players featuring such as Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Marseille’s squad already appears to be in disarray after just one match this season
But they fell 1-0 to Rennes on Friday night after conceding a stoppage-time goal – despite having a one-man advantage.
The French giants are never far from the headlines, often for the wrong reasons and it has been a typically wild start to their campaign.
De Zerbi’s men finished second last season and will be widely expected to compete at the top end again this term.
