Benfica winger Godfried Frimpong has revealed he was close to joining Stoke City last year.

The Holland youth international was spotted by Stoke while playing for Sparta Rotterdam.

Frimpong moved to Benfica, however, after considering several offers with his agent and advisers.

"I was followed by some clubs, including Stoke City, Anderlecht and Benfica. The choice was made to move to the Portuguese superpower," he told Voetbalzone.

"I was convinced that I would better develop here as a player. I was happy with Sparta, but we are talking about a top Portuguese club."