New RBC signing Ali Elkhattabi has revealed he had interest from Leeds and Stoke.
New RBC Roosendaal loan signing Ali Elkhattabi has revealed he had interest from Leeds United and Stoke City.AZ Alkmaar midfielder surprised many by joining RBC for the coming Eredivisie season, having snubbed the chance to join another Dutch club in ADO Den Haag.
The 28-year-old has a year left on his contract at AZ and had also attracted the interest of Portuguese side Sporting Braga.
The former Sparta Rotterdam man told weekly Dutch sports magazine Sportweek that both Leeds and Stoke were suitors for his services, but stated that Braga seemed a more attractive option to him before choosing RBC.
"I preferred Braga," Elkhattabi said.
"This club plays on the highest level and because of a fourth place last year, they will play Uefa Cup football.
"All the clubs knew about my fear of flying, that was also known to Leeds and Stoke.
"But for all those three clubs, it wasn't a problem at all. Mostly, because the clubs all take the bus to away games."
