Stéphane Diarra has claimed he turned down an approach from Newcastle United to sign for FC Lorient.
The Ivorian winger signed for the Ligue 1 outfit from Le Mans on Monday, with the former Rennes youth player agreeing a five-year deal.
The 21-year-old was reportedly attracting interest from United and Leicester City before Christmas, but opted to remain in France to continue his development.
Diarra insists he also turned down approaches from the likes of Lille, Marseille and Monaco, and says he opted for FC Lorient to work with coach Christophe Pelissier.
However, the winger has not closed the door on a move abroad in future.
Diarra told Ouest-France: "Many clubs have contacted me, such as the English clubs in Newcastle and Leicester, but also French teams with Lille, Monaco or Marseille.
"The speeches of Christophe Le Roux, sports director, and coach Christophe Pelissier were decisive in my decision-making.
"I knew it was a quality team that played football and I needed a playful and efficient team. It was important for me to stay in France.
"Since childhood, I dream of discovering Ligue 1. And then, it was important for me not to skip the stages. I'm here to learn. I will stay in Ligue 1, progress and we will see later."
