West Bromwich Albion have insisted that they have not formally parted company with Nicolas Anelka after the striker claimed to have terminated his Baggies contract.
The 35-year-old Frenchman has been suspended by Albion after being served a five-match ban by the Football Association for his allegedly anti-semitic 'quenelle' goal celebration.
Anelka tweeted on Friday to suggest that he had terminated his contract, which was due to run until the end of the season, after refusing to return to the club under certain conditions.
However, West Brom have branded his use of the social networking site as "highly unprofessional" and have stressed that, while talks regarding Anelka's future are ongoing, no official decision has been made.
A statement on the club's official website read: "The club confirms it has been continuing discussions with Nicolas Anelka and his advisers as part of its own internal enquiry into the gesture he made after scoring against West Ham United on December 28.
"Following the conclusion of the FA's enquiry into the same incident, the club had hoped to conclude its own investigations next week.
"The club notes Nicolas Anelka's comments on Twitter this evening. However, the club has received nothing formally regarding the termination of Nicolas Anelka's contract from either him or his advisers.
"The club regards the release of such a statement on Social Media as highly unprofessional and will make a further statement when appropriate."
Anelka joined West Brom last summer and has scored twice in 13 Premier League appearances.
Joe Fish
