TIMOTHEE Dieng turned down a more lucrative opportunity to join the Stuart McCall revolution at Valley Parade.

The Frenchman last night became the fourth new face brought in by McCall after eagerly penning a two-year contract.

And the 24-year-old revealed that he refused to have his head turned by counter offers.

Dieng told the T&A: “I had another offer from a club in this division with a better financial deal. But I wanted to sign for Bradford because I know that this is a big club.

“There are a lot of fans and it is an ambitious club. I think that will make me a better player and I can improve by playing here.”

McCall was attracted by the versatility of Dieng, who at 6ft 2in can operate as a holding midfielder and centre half.

He was used mainly in defence for Oldham, where he was named player of the year last season, but prefers to play just in front of the back four.

Dieng added: “Midfield is my favourite and I can use my height to win headers. I’ve spoken with the gaffer and he wants to play me there.

“But centre half is also a possibility and he knows that if there are any problems in defence then I can help.

“I had a year’s option to stay at Oldham but the club didn’t take it. But that made me a free to sign somewhere else and gave me the chance to join a bigger club like Bradford.”

Dieng, who was born in Grenoble, had been training on his own back in France while he waited for a club to call.

He joined up with City a week ago and then played the full game in the opening pre-season friendly against Guiseley – in midfield first half and then centre back.

“The second half was more difficult for me because it was the first game but it was a good thing that I had 90 minutes under my belt. I showed what I can do.

“I thought I had a good season last year but I’ve had this opportunity to come to Bradford and I’m glad I’ve taken it.”

Dieng follows Nicky Law, Nathaniel Knight-Percival and Colin Doyle and McCall is actively looking to recruit a couple more in time for the training trip to Scotland.

City head north of the border for six days after the weekend friendly at Gateshead and will play St Johnstone next Tuesday.

Dieng said: “I’ve heard that quite a lot of new players will come. The club are building a new team and I think hopefully it’s going to be a good season.

“I didn’t know that the gaffer used to play for Bradford but obviously that means this is massive for him. He knows the club so well and that can only be a good thing.

“It is good that we are all going away for a week because that will build team spirit.”