Sochaux forward Modibo Maiga has revealed his surprise at the collapse of a move to Newcastle United.

The 24-year-old was on the verge of signing for the North East club until the deal fell through due to a failed medical.

"I am mentally fine, I wanted that move to Newcastle badly," Maiga told Sky Sports News. "However, it did not happen as they said my knee has a problem - but I feel better than anything.

"There is a player at Newcastle now [Demba Ba], he was told at a Premier League medical that he had a knee problem, he then went to another and started scoring goals before his move to Newcastle.

"But I am strong in my head and up for it, I like Sochaux, but I am having a difficult time with the fans, they do not understand me. I love the Premier League and I want to play there, hopefully I will have another chance, my health is very good and my knees are strong."

The Magpies currently sit seventh in the league table on 27 points.