Premiership: Van Bommel - 'Leeds are not big enough for me'

PSV Eindhoven midfielder Mark van Bommel wants to play in England but not for Leeds United.

Van Bommel, rated at £15m-plus (€25m), has been courted by the continent’s major clubs this season, with Arsenal rumoured to be among those interested.

He will get a chance to impress Premiership managers when PSV host Leeds in the UEFA Cup tonight but claims David O’Leary’s side are not in his league.

‘‘Leeds are not big enough for me,’’ van Bommel told a British tabloid. ‘‘I want a team who will always be in the Champions League.’’

Arsenal may appeal to van Bommel, therefore, and he said: ‘‘I know I have to perform well and help Eindhoven knock Leeds out of the UEFA Cup in order to help me get to England.

‘‘I want to play in the Premiership. That is my aim and this is my big chance to prove it. I have to impress if I am going to secure a big contract with a Premier League club.’’

O’Leary clearly has a higher opinion of van Bommel than the Dutchman has of his side, and said: ‘‘PSV are a team who posses many quick and excellent players.

‘‘But van Bommel and (Kevin) Hofland have to be singled out as their most outstanding individuals.’’