Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga wants to join Stoke City after failing a Newcastle United medical last month.

The Mirror says Maiga insists he can do a job in the Premier League, and that his knee is up to the rigours of top-flight football.

Stoke are among a number of English clubs who have been contacted by the player's representatives with a view to a January loan move which would allow him to prove his fitness and set up a long-term deal.

Maiga, who went on strike at Sochaux in a bid to speed his move to Newcastle, insisted: "I'd love to play in the Premier League."