German side Stuttgart have shocked the football world by claiming they have agreed personal terms with Ghanaian midfielder Andre Dede Ayew.
But the 20-year-old, son of Ghana legend Abedi Pele, has refused to comment on the report which appeared in a German newspaper.
The surprise revelation will spark a long drawn-out battle with Marseille who have refused to talk to Stuttgart because their offer of five million Euros is considered woefully inadequate by his French club.
The 20-year-old was expected to extend his expiring contract with Marseille after they turned down several offers for the midfielder.
Marseille coach Didier Deschamps even vowed last week that the son of football legend Abedi Pele is central to his plans for next season.
But in a shocking move, Ayew who excelled for his country at the World Cup in South Africa last month, is reported to have agreed personal terms with Stuttgart.
"He agreed to join us,†the German club's sporting director Jochen Schneider told the German newspaper Bild when asked about Ayew’s move.
But Ayew refused to comment on the newspaper article when he spoke with Ghanasoccernet exclusively.
“I have heard about the report in the German newspaper but I have not seen the article myself so I will not comment for now,†Ayew told Ghanasoccernet.com
The revelation is Ayew’s emphatic statement to Marseille that he is not keen on staying at the club after they loaned him out to the second division last season.
The youngster is said to be unhappy over the treatment meted out to him by the club last season as he considers the decision to send him to Arles Avignon as a demotion.
But after impressing at the World Cup, African Cup of Nations and leading his country’s U20 World Cup team to the title, his market valuation has increased tremendously.
Stuttgart are keen to sign Ayew replace midfielder Sami Khedira who has joined Spanish giants Real Madrid.