French club Auxerre have moved to replace outgoing Senegal winger Khalilou Fadiga with another African, FC Zurich's Gauthier Akale.

The length of the contract Akale has signed was undisclosed, although it is clear the club consider him to be a long-term prospect.

The Ivory Coast player was snapped up after Auxerre coach Guy Roux received promising reports about him.

"He was recommended to me by talent scouts from the club who have seen him play," Roux confirmed.

And he added the 22-year-old will be given a thoroughbred grooming in order to take over from Fadiga, who has made clear his desire to leave.

"Khalilou has one more year on his contract but we agreed to let him go," Roux said.

"In six months, Akale will have time to settle down and take his place."

Akale became the third player to join Auxerre from a Swiss club in recent months following defender Stephane Grichting and Zimbabwe's Benjamin Mwaruwari.