Former Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina personally drove his move to Nice last week.
Lemina has left St Mary's for Nice in a permanent deal, choosing the Ligue Une outfit ahead of a raft of rival offers.
Le 10 Sport says Watford and Newcastle United both made proposals to keep Lemina in England.
However, Lemina wished to continue his career at home in France.
Last season Lemina spent 12 months on-loan with Fulham.