Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga is determined to get a move to England, despite a failed medical wrecking his deal with Newcastle United.

Maiga played the full 90 minutes for his French club in their 1-0 defeat at Bordeaux on Sunday, and has insisted like Demba Ba, who has scored 11 times for Newcastle this season despite concerns over his long-term fitness, his knee is fine.

"I am mentally fine," the Mali international told Sky Sports.

"I wanted that move to Newcastle badly. 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 [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."