Moussa Sissoko has turned his back on advances from Liverpool and Bolton by signing his first professional contract with Ligue 1 club Toulouse.
The promising 17-year-old defensive midfielder has been tracked by a long list of clubs, thought to include Liverpool and Bolton, but eventually decided to stay with the club he signed terms with as a schoolboy.
"I am happy, because I've been waiting for this moment for a long time," Sissoko said.
"I had the chance to leave for England, but it was perhaps a little too early in my career for that and it wasn't necessarily a good idea.
"By working hard I hope to break into the first team squad as soon as possible."
Sissoko, no relation to his namesake at Liverpool, Momo, has signed a three-year deal and will stay with the Pyrenean club at least until he is 20.
Eurosport - Mike Hytner - 25/01/2007 16:53