Gomis to stay with Les Verts

AS Saint-Etienne explosive striker Bafetimbi Gomis has decided to stay with the club ruling out speculation that he might move to the English premier league for the next season.

France striker Gomis was linked with Newcastle United, but he has ruled out the move and signed a contract for four years with his club AS Saint-Etienne. The deal will see him tied to the club until June 2012.

The 22-year old striker scored 16 Ligue 1 golas last season, helping his club to fire into the UEFA Cup. He has been in great form in the international arena, earning himself a place in the 23-man squad for EURO. France coach Raymond Domenech was more than impressed by his debut against Ecuador. Gomis scored twice, the only man since Zinedine Zidane to do so in his debut for his country.

He is confident that he has made the right decision to stay with Les Verts and said that he would love to play Champions League with them.

"It was very important for me to have this resolved before the finals," he said.

"I still think I can reach the Champions League with St-Etienne."