Payet opts for St Etienne

[DavidMc]

Nantes striker Dimitri Payet has agreed a move to Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne. The youngster, 20, has signed a four-year deal with les Verts

Payet, an Under-21 France international, joined Nantes in 2004 and spent three seasons with les Canaris before the club suffered their first relegation in 44 years at the end of last season. In his time at the Stade Beaujoire, he made 33 league appearances scoring five goals.


A skilful and pacy striker Payet hails from the French overseas region of La Réunion. He made his 'Espoir' debut against Switzerland in February and scored a brace in his next youth international against Denmark in March.


"(Saint-Etienne) are a club which hold the same ambitions as I do," the youngster told his new club's official website. "I want to play well next season and then, in the future, win titles."