MICHAEL Menetrier looks to be on his way out of Bournemouth after the French goalkeeper failed to report for the start of pre-season training.

Menetrier, who has been on compassionate leave in France since the death of his mother this spring, was expected to join his team-mates when they reassembled at Dean Court yesterday.

But after the 23-year-old stopper failed to show, Cherries boss Sean O'Driscoll admitted the club were in negotiations with the player's agent to try and resolve Menetrier's situation.

The ex-Metz man is currently two years into a three-year deal after signing for Mel Machin on a free transfer in August 2000.

But despite being handed the number one shirt on his arrival, Menetrier struggled to regain his first team place from Gareth Stewart after suffering a groin injury seven games into the 2000-2001 season.

O'Driscoll gave the Reims-born custodian the chance to resurrect his career with a trial at Luton Town last November.

But after Menetrier failed to attend a special week of training at the beginning of June, Cherries seem ready to cut their losses on the Frenchman.

O'Driscoll said: "Michael had compassionate leave and missed the end of the season due to a family bereavement, which was obviously traumatic for him.

"We appreciated that and felt it was important that Michael go home and be with his family.

"Since then we have had no correspondence and he didn't turn up for the mid-season training at the start of June.

"We have been in contact with his agent and Michael's indicated that he would prefer to stay in France, which we understand, and at the minute, we are trying to negotiate a deal which is suitable for both parties.

"Nothing has been settled and we were expecting him to arrive with the rest of the players yesterday for the start of pre-season training.

"But as of yesterday afternoon, he had not arrived so we need to clarify the situation pretty quickly."

O'Driscoll revealed Cherries have spoken to at least two available goalkeepers about the possibility of trials at Dean Court.

But he admitted he would not be able to offer another keeper a contract until the situation with Menetrier was resolved.

He added: "We can't do a lot with two goalkeepers on the payroll and unless I can move one goalkeeper, there is no facility to bring another one in.

"Until we can sort Michael out, goalkeepers are not going to come on trial if they have got other clubs to go to where there is a definite chance of them getting a contract.

"We might like to take somebody but at the minute, unless we can do a deal with Michael's agent, then there is no vacancy."