Source: Team_Talk
Prem first choice for Diarra
Mahamadou Diarra says a Premier League club would be his preferred destination next season after being linked with moves to Stoke and Fulham. The defensive midfielder, a former Real Madrid player, is a free agent after his six-month contract at Monaco expired at the end of last season. The French club are keen to keep him but ex-Lyon man Diarra is expected to leave in search of regular first-team football following their relegation to Ligue 2. The 30-year-old claims he has several options, but is targeting a switch to the English top flight. "Yes, the Premier League is somewhere I would love to play and I'm looking forward to that," Diarra told skysports.com. "I have other contacts, but a very good club in England would be my favourite option."He added: "I am looking forward to next season. To be honest, if injuries do not come, I will have a great season." A move to Stoke or Fulham would come with the added incentive of playing Europa League football after both sides booked a spot in the qualifying rounds. Reports in the African media suggest Diarra is leaning towards a Stoke move as he looks to relaunch his career in Europe, with manager Tony Pulis understood to be keen on the Mali international.