Hatem Ben Arfa is set to choose Rennes over a return to the Premier League, reports talkSPORT.
The 31-year-old winger rejected a move to West Ham United having left Paris St-Germain at the end of last season when his contract expired.
A cult hero on Tyneside after his spell with Newcastle United, the Hammers were confident of landing the former France international. However, Ben Arfa prefers to remain in Ligue Un with Rennes leading the race for his signature.
Reports in the French media claim he was released by the French champions after he disrespected the club president, Nassir Al-Khelaifi. That manifested in his failure to be selected by Unai Emery for a single first-team appearance during the Spaniard’s final year in charge at the Parc Des Princes.
New Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini is still keen to strengthen his squad but choices are limited with the only market available those players available on free transfers.
Ben Arfa spent four seasons at St James Park, followed by a season with Hull City before returning to his native France.
After impressing with 18 goals in 37 games with Nice, the fifteen-times capped international failed to hit the same heights with PSG; surprisingly so given their dominance over Ligue Un.
