Diarra rejects Portsmouth

The France international has not set Stade Gerland alight since joining the French champions from Lille in the summer of 2006 and has been linked with a move away from Les Gones.

But despite Pompey making a £5 million bid, the former Liverpool man opted to stay at Lyon and either fight for his place or wait for a bid from a bigger club - with Bordeaux and Werder Bremen both linked with his signature.

"I could have joined Portsmouth," Diarra confirmed to L'Equipe. "But it is not part of my career plan. Bordeaux, though, want to play for the top positions of Ligue 1, which of course I am attracted to.

"But as long as there is nothing more concrete it is difficult to talk about a preferred destination. But Bordeaux is an appealing prospect.

"Werder Bremen was interesting too, but it seems there was trouble on a financial level."

Regarding staying at Lyon, he is adamant that he would prefer to stay but only if given assurances that he will start - something new boss Alain Perrin is not prepared to do.

"I have always been clear, I don't want to stay under just any circumstances," Diarra explained.

"I don't want to experience the same season as the last one, I would stay only if I can play. There is Euro 2008 and I need to play - if there is something that benefits everyone, I believe the club will not block my departure.

"Alain Perrin has been very honest with me, so there is no problem."