FLORIAN THAUVIN has cut short his disappointing spell with Newcastle United by re-joining his former club, Marseille, on a season-long loan.

Thauvin joined Newcastle in a much-trumpeted £12m move last summer, but has failed to make an impact in the Premier League.

His only Magpies goal came in a Capital One Cup win over Northampton Town, and his last league start came in September's home defeat to Watford.

Andros Townsend's arrival in a £12m move from Spurs shifted him even further down the pecking order, and he will attempt to rebuild his career at the Stade Velodrome in the next four months.

The loan deal does not include a clause for a permanent transfer though, so Thauvin is scheduled to return to Tyneside for the start of pre-season training in the summer.