Lille winger Michel Bastos has confirmed he is about to join fellow Ligue 1 side Lyon on a four-year deal. The Brazilian has been given the go-ahead by Les Dogues to move to the deposed French champions for a reported €18m.

"It is what I wanted," said the left-footed player. "During the discussions I had with my directors, I always stayed positive. They had said to me that they would allow either Adil (Rami) or me to leave. I simply waited for their response. It is positive."

Michel Bastos spent the last three seasons at Lille, scoring 14 goals in a breakthrough year last term. A free-kick specialist, the 25-year-old is set to be a worthy replacement for Juninho Pernambucano, the set-piece master who recently left Lyon for Qatar.

To be able to join a club who have been French champions seven times is massive. It's a childhood dream.
Michel Bastos on his prospective move to Lyon

"In my country, when you talk about Ligue 1, you talk firstly about Lyon," Michael Bastos told L'Equipe's official website. "To be able to join a club who have been French champions seven times is massive. It's a childhood dream."

Michel Bastos's move to Les Gones comes hot on the heels of their €24m signing of Lisandro Lopez from Porto. The Argentina forward is a replacement for Karim Benzema, who has joined Real Madrid.

Centre-back Rami is, therefore, set to be denied his prospective switch to Marseille. "On one side I am happy for myself, but on the other I am sad for Adil," Michel Bastos added. "He is one of the players in the squad I had the most affinity with."

Michel Bastos is expected to complete his move to Lyon tomorrow after undergoing a medical.