Ian Harte has opted to stay put in Spain and see out the remaining two years of his contract at La Liga newcomers Levante.

The 28-year-old had been expected to return to the United Kingdom this summer after reaching an agreement with the club president last January.

Premiership sides Manchester City and Sheffield United, former club Leeds United and Scottish champions Celtic are all purported to have been interested, but the Drogheda lad is now happy to stay at the Valencia club after a summer of investment in the first-team squad.

He said: "I am quite happy to stay in Spain. My family are happy and once they're happy, I'm happy.

"The president said I am in his plans and he wants me to stay, so I'm going to be there for at least another two years.

"We got promoted last season, so at least we are in the Premier division and I am looking forward to the new season."

New manager Juan Roman Lopez Caro, who had a spell in charge of Real Madrid last season, has drafted in a host of big names this summer, including former Italy international midfielder Damiano Tomassi from AS Roma, ex-Spain central defender Cesar Martin from Deportivo La Coruna, former Newcastle United winger Laurent Robert and Juventus forward Olivier Kapo on a season-long loan.