The Brazil international has outlined his determination to quit the French champions after losing his regular place in the first team and having become disillusioned with life at the Stade Gerland.

Les Gones have been reluctant to let him go but he was dropped from the squad for the weekend's 2-0 win at Grenoble, and club president Jean-Michel Aulas has now confirmed the 25-year-old can leave.

"When players don't behave to the level required in the squad, and to the level they should given the pay they wish to have, it is up to us to either punish them or say to them that they can go elsewhere. It is what has happened with Fred," Aulas said.

"He absolutely wants to go. I have replied to him... that effectively he could leave.

"Now, he has to find a club who would really like to have him at this stage of the season."

Roberto Horcades, the president of Fluminese, said last week that Fred would be joining the Brazilian club in the summer after claiming they had "sealed an agreement" with the player.

But Aulas' comments suggest Fred has yet to find a club.

"Things haven't been sorted out," Aulas added on Canal Plus. "We are waiting to see what his position is."

English side Stoke have also been linked with a move for Fred.