West Bromwich Albion striker Nicolas Anelka has reportedly been given "compassionate leave" by the club following the death of one of his agents.

The 34-year-old has been reported to have told the Baggies that he was retiring from football as he walked out of training today.

The club swiftly followed up the news by claiming that the Frenchman would miss this weekend's match against Everton, but refrained from drawing on rumours that he had left the club for good.

According to Birmingham Mail journalist Chris Lepkowski, the striker's unwillingness to play comes from hearing the death of agent Eric Manasse.

Anelka signed a one-year contract with the Baggies around two months ago.