By Shane Farrington

The 22-year-old is enjoying life in England’s top-flight and is ready to snub a potential return to his native Italy, with AC Milan thought to be closely monitoring his progress

Davide Santon believes the Premier League is stronger than Serie A and La Liga and is ready to snub a move back to Italy and stay at Newcastle United.

The 22-year-old joined the Magpies back in August 2011 from Inter and has impressed this season - with his sparkling displays earning him a recall to the Italy national squad.

AC Milan are reportedly watching his progress with a view to braining him back to Italy but Santon has insisted he is happy to remain where he is, having started every Premier League game for the Magpies this term.

He told The Evening Chronicle: "At the moment this is the only place to play for me.

"There are not a lot of Italians in the Premier League, just Fabio Borini. The Premier League is better than Serie A and better than La Liga. The fans here are the best.

"Playing at Newcastle has also helped me get back into the Italy squad. My coach in Italy is happy with me and so is Mr Pardew. I will keep giving 100 per cent."