Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone left Marseille on transfer deadline day to join fellow Ligue 1 side Rennes on an initial loan, the club announced.

The deal is for €1 million up front, and Rennes have the option to make the move permanent for an additional €14 million this summer, reports transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

That clause is contingent on Rennes avoiding relegation, according to TSN's Matthew Scianitti. They're currently 15th in France's top flight.

Kone, capped 25 times by Canada, was linked with the likes of Fiorentina and Valencia during the transfer window. Premier League outfit Southampton also inquired, but he turned down a potential move, Scianitti adds.

The 22-year-old, who only joined Marseille from Watford last summer, was unable to establish himself as a regular contributor in his first season at the club. He started just three league matches and compiled 360 minutes.

He was also publicly rebuked by Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi.

"We wanted this player, he's very strong, he's a good lad, but … over the last few months, he hasn't shown me that he's capable of being part of this project," De Zerbi said last month. "He's got a lot of competition."

He'll face competition for playing time at Rennes, who have been one of France's most active teams in the January window. The club's biggest move thus far saw it sign Seko Fofana, a veteran midfielder who can occupy the same role as Kone, from Al-Nassr for a reported €20 million.

Kone will be the first Canadian international to play for Rennes.