Report: Mathieu Flamini close to Crystal Palace exit

Mathieu Flamini has reportedly been told that he is free to find a new club in January after struggling to make an impact in his short spell with Crystal Palace.

The French midfielder, who joined the Eagles on a 12-month deal in September, was handed his first start for the Premier League side in last week's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

Having been taken off at half time with a niggling injury, and not used in the slender loss to Chelsea at the weekend, the ex-Arsenal and AC Milan ace is said to have now been given the green light to seek a new team.

According to The Mirror, Ligue 1 outfit Marseille have shown an interest in the 32-year-old and could make a move in the New Year as they look to bolster their squad.

Jordon Mutch, Lee Chung-yong and Bakary Sako are also understood to be up for grabs, with all three failing to hold down a place in Palace's starting lineup.