Newcastle target Blaise Matuidi flattered by Premier League interest but St Etienne claims no offer has been made

St Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi has admitted that he is flattered by the interest being shown in him by Newcastle and that he wants to one day play in England.

The 24-year-old, who has also been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool, has represented his country three times this year, has a 13.2 million pound release clause and his club have released a statement saying that there has been no approach from Newcastle.

The statement read: "To date ASSE [St Etienne] has had no contact with the English club… the club's management will observe the utmost discretion in the transfer market, and confidentiality is one of those rules for success in this area."

The player himself has admitted that he is pleased to be linked with a move to Newcastle.

"They are one of the big clubs in England but, like I said, it is all rumors at the moment, but you never know," he is quoted as saying by skysports.com.

He added: "I am flattered by the interest from clubs abroad, and I have always loved the Premier League.

"It is the best league in the world, so exciting, and I really want to be part of that one day, however, St Etienne has its say about that."