Abou Diaby set to sign pay-as-you-play deal with Marseille after rejecting West Brom

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Abou Diaby is expected to sign for Marseille after declining a late push by West Bromwich Albion to get their deal back on.

Tony Pulis was keen to bring Diaby to the Hawthorns and believed he could get the most out of the injury-plagued former Arsenal midfielder.

Diaby was offered terms and completed a medical at West Brom but Marseille made a move offering pay-as-you-play terms and it is understood he is ready to head back to France.

 Marseille are set to sign former Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby on a pay-as-you-play deal

Pulis tried again for Diaby, released by Arsene Wenger this summer, once the interest from the Ligue 1 side became clear, but the 29-year-old could not be swayed. 

The Baggies boss believed he could get the midfielder fit enough to play again despite his injury problems.

'He is a top player and I mean he is a top, top player,' said Pulis. 

'We've had a look and we think there are things he can do to improve his chances of playing 30 Premier League games and we're confident we can help him do that.'

 The 29-year-old was released by the Gunners at the end of last season after his contract expired