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Marseille sack sporting director Gunter Jacob amid Andoni Zubizarreta links

MARSEILLE, France -- Marseille sporting director Gunter Jacob has left the club by mutual consent.

The Ligue 1 side announced Jacob's departure in a statement on Wednesday without giving further details.

The 48-year-old Belgian leaves only three months after being hired, and amid reports that Barcelona's former sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta is close to joining.

Marseille president Jacques-Henri Eyraud said on French television on Sunday that Zubizarreta has already met with coach Rudi Garcia.

Garcia was hired last Thursday, just three days after the club was officially bought by American owner Frank McCourt.

Zubizarreta, a former goalkeeper, played more than 400 games for Barcelona and made 126 international appearances for Spain.

He was Barca's sporting director from July 2010 until his departure from the Camp Nou in January last year.