Championship sides Cardiff, Nottingham Forest and Derby were all rejected by Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan before he finally went for a loan move with Leeds. The 21-year-old Scotland international came off the bench for the Whites as they drew 0-0 with Ipswich on Saturday.
"With the position Villa are in, the gaffer (Gerard Houllier) is going for more experienced players," Bannan said in The Sun.
"I looked at my options and there were big clubs who came in for me. I chose Leeds ahead of Cardiff, Nottingham Forest and Derby."
Bannan spent a spell on loan at Blackpool last term as the Tangerines came up to the top-flight via the play-offs.
"The big thing Blackpool had in their favour last season was the togetherness," he added.
"I see similar things here. The spirit is the same and Leeds have some good players so, hopefully, we can do what Blackpool did.
"It would be great to go up again and automatic promotion is what we are looking at. But, if it's the play-offs, then we've the strength to do well."
