Roma midfielder Ricardo Faty claims he turned down a move to Everton before joining Nantes on loan until the end of the season.
He said: "In England, Everton were very interested in taking me.
"Like Leverkusen they watched me in the Under-21 Toulon Festival. But as they did not see me playing in the last six months, they wanted to see if I had kept the rhythm.
"And they proposed me a 15-day trial, like they are used to doing there.
"But I did not want to take this risk as it could not have ended in a contract.
"I also had clubs that wanted me in Germany, but I didn't want to stay there. In Italy, Atalanta Bergamo wanted me but I wasn't interested in moving to a small club.
"Udinese and Sampdoria were interesting but they have plenty of midfielders so I am not sure I would have played.
"Nantes is the best choice for me. I will prove myself, it is going to be perfect."