Werder Bremen appear to have beaten him to Hatem Ben Arfa, who has been on strike at Marseille this week.
Chris Hughton was keen on taking him on loan for a season, because Ashley wouldn't make an off for a permanent deal, but Bremen have stepped in at the last minute to secure the 23-year-old.
The Bundesliga club are said to be in talks with the player with a cash deal on the table.