Stephan El Shaarawy will not play for Monaco again, confirms club chief

Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has confirmed reports that Stephan El Shaarawy is unlikely to feature for the Ligue 1 club again.

Numerous outlets believe that the Italy international is on the verge of activating a €13-million buy-out clause should he feature again for Monaco, so will no longer pull on the red and white shirt during his loan deal.

"El Shaarawy is not any more in the project of the head coach of Monaco," Vasilyev said. "We are currently negotiating to find a solution. Maybe it's not a comeback (at parent club) Milan. It could be elsewhere.

"We are not planning to make him play again. That's not planned. He's a great player with a lot of qualities. He's an international player with Italy. We need to find the right solution for everyone. I hope we will."

El Shaarawy managed two goals during the Europa League group stages, but didn't manage to get on the scoresheet over 15 appearances in the French top flight. His struggles with the provincial outfit have alerted numerous potential suitors, including the Premier League's Bournemouth.

"We are discussing with Milan, his agent, and other clubs in order to find something," Vasilyev added.

It's a pivotal time for the forward, with the Euro 2016 finals in France looming. More goalscoring woe or lack of opportunities at club level could see him fall firmly behind the likes of Simone Zaza on the international stage.