Released Birmingham City striker Christian Benitez is determined to return to England.

Birmingham chose not to take up an option on Benitez, who has returned to Santos Laguna. But the striker's form has brought attention from West Ham United and Newcastle United.

He said: "My desire is to stay in England and in European soccer, the last option for me would be to go back to Mexico. I believe that three clubs in the Premier League have shown an interest in me, while I've also been told that there are possibilities in France or Spain."

And reflecting on his one and only season at St Andrew's, the 24-year-old added: "I knew that it was going to be difficult to play in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. I had good, regular and bad parts, but overall I believe that I had a good season."