Florian Kamberi: 'Sunderland didn't interest me - I don't want to play in a small league'

Jack Ross was keen to bring the 23-year-old striker to Sunderland this summer but he opted to return to Hibernian following a successful loan spell last season.

The former Grasshoppers forward was a spectacular success in Edinburgh, scoring nine goals in 14 games.

Athletic, young and with significant resale potential, Sunderland were prepared to offer a seven-figure sum to land the Swiss striker, reported to be £1.7million.

However, Hibs - as a result of an option to buy clause in the loan deal - sealed the deal for a lower fee.

Kamberi has been speaking about his move to Hibs and how one of the clinching factors was the chance to work with Neil Lennon again. He revealed playing in League One did not appeal to him.

Speaking to the Scottish media, Kamberi said: "It went to the last few days but for me it was clear.

"I spoke to the gaffer before and I knew he was staying so I was pleased to come back and work with him again, the club and my team-mates after this great season.

"I wanted to work with Neil Lennon because he makes me better every day. To be around him and my team-mates and this club makes me happy.

"I asked him if he was going to stay and when he said 'yes' I wanted to stay.

"Sunderland didn’t interest me. It was League One. Even if it’s a big club I don’t want to play in a small league.

"I want to play in the first league and I had an opportunity to do that here with Hibs, so it was clear to me that Sunderland was not an option.

"For me it’s not just about money. It’s important to play as much as I can, to win games and be in a good club with a good gaffer.

"At the moment it’s important to give a good performance in a high league to show myself and if I do that then the big money comes later."