Angers manager Gerald Baticle admits he expected Premier League transfer target Angelo Fulgini to leave this summer.
The Daily Mail says Newcastle and Crystal Palace were monitoring Fulgini and there had already been talk of interest from Everton and Southampton.
However, the 25-year-old remains an Angers player and although his manager is pleased, he has admitted the surprise at the fact Fulgini did not secure a move away.
Baticle told L'Equipe: "Angelo (staying), for me, it's a surprise.
"He had an exit certificate and, given the quality of the player, I thought he was going to find a great club. So it's a good surprise because having a player of this quality in a group is interesting. It is very good for us.
"We will have to help him digest this episode.
"I don't have to worry about good, smart people. I told him straight away: you have to digest, and we will be there to help you. It is an episode of your career, of life."
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