Diarra's Marseille contract mutually terminated amid China link

Lassana Diarra's Marseille stay has come to a consensual but somewhat acrimonious end, after the south-coast outfit agreed to terminate his contract by mutual constent.

The 34-time France international, who made 11 Ligue 1 appearances this term, had a contract which ran until 2019, but was apparently on strike until the deal was annulled.

Diarra, 31, is subject to interest from Shandong Luneng, according to The Sun's Anthony Chapman, which could offer a pay packet that would see him able to pay back €6 million due to a breach of contract at previous club Lokomotiv Moscow.

Shifting to the Far East as a free agent could potentially see him demand a higher wage to see out his playing days.

The ex-Real Madrid midfielder linked up with Marseille one-and-a-half years ago - 11 months on from his tumultuous departure from Lokomotiv after he fell out with manager Leonid Kuchuk and refused to train. He made 26 appearances in his first season.

Back issues in September and October hampered this campaign, however, and he is now seeking the ninth stop in his career.