Bordeaux full-back Florian Marange has confirmed that he turned down a number of clubs across Europe to pursue a switch to Crystal Palace.
Marange had a trial with Italian side Livorno earlier this summer, after being told by Bordeaux that he would be allowed to leave on a free transfer.
The 27-year-old flew to London for talks with Palace last night and has declared that he is desperate to fulfil a long-held ambition by playing in the Premier League.
He told L'Equipe: "I went [to Livorno], I met with their leaders. The project was interesting, it was playing 3-5-2, a formation I like. But after thinking, I chose Crystal Palace.
"I also had some contact with Brugge and Dinamo Moscow. I refused some proposals.
"Just ask any player where he dreams of signing and he will tell you the Premier League. This really is the best championship in the world."
Marange has been with his first professional club Bordeaux since 2004, but has struggled to earn a regular starting spot in recent seasons.
Liam Power
