Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Moussa Sissoko reveals why he rejected Everton transfer deal

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Moussa Sissoko signed for the north London club because they are "bigger" than Everton. The 27-year-old Frenchman was linked with Spurs and the Toffees on transfer deadline day – but ultimately opted to join Mauricio Pochettino's men because they are higher profile.

Everton are currently just one place and two points behind fifth-placed Tottenham in the Premier League table, yet Sissoko had no hesitation in accepting Spurs' offer. "Why would I have joined Everton? Spurs are a bigger club," he said, according to The Mirror.

"When I saw on the TV or in the news that I was in Everton or that I was supposed to sign for Everton. All of that was total rubbish. They wanted me at Everton. I didn't hear anything else. Tottenham came in next. In my head it was clear I absolutely wanted to sign for them."

Sissoko has failed to score a goal or provide an assist since his £30m ($36.6m) switch to Tottenham – but he does not harbour any regrets about rejecting Everton's advances.

"Without wishing to offend Everton, Tottenham in my opinion is a bigger club than Everton," the Tottenham midfielder said. "So for me it was better to go here. And I didn't think more about it. I signed."

Sissoko is currently serving a three-match ban after he was charged by the Football Association for elbowing Bournemouth's Harry Arter during their 0-0 draw earlier this month. The ban means the Frenchman will miss Spurs' north London derby against Arsenal.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino recently admitted that Sissoko's absence was a "blow" for the club. "I have seen it on TV and I have to say it wasn't intentional but the elbow was in Arter's face, so we accept the charge and move forward with three games suspension," he said after Spurs accepted the charge. "It is true it is a blow. We are in a period when we need all the squad fit to compete."