St Etienne forward Bafetimbi Gomis has revealed he would prefer to join a club in Serie A as opposed to moving to the Premiership, after Newcastle were linked with the striker. Sampdoria and Fiorentina are both reportedly interested in the talented frontman.

Gomis quipped: "It is better to go and play in Italy than to go to England in a team at the bottom of the league. Anyway, I still have a lot of things to learn.

"I am very happy to play for St. Etienne, but I don't know if I will still be there next season.

"The coach did his best for me to stay last summer, and he has improved me a lot. I am very happy with him at the helm. His stay at the club will be an essential factor for my future."