Matty Russell reveals all about dramatic U-turn that saw him join Toulouse Olympique over Salford Red Devils

Transfer sagas have become an integral part of sports coverage over the years.

In football, deadline day has become one of the most hyped days in the calendar and newspapers are packed on a daily basis with the latest rumours on the grapevine. Fans are obsessed with transfer chatter.

But Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Peter Odemwingie can both step aside because taking the crown for the most bizarre transfer goes to new Toulouse Olympique ace Matty Russell.

The Scotland international had already agreed to sign for Salford Red Devils several months before there was any talk of a move to France.

And yet, he has now swapped Greater Manchester for the south of France.

"I'd done all the media stuff at Salford, my announcement video and first interview for the club," he revealed.

"I was due to report there on the Friday but on the Wednesday my agent rang and said there was an opportunity to take family to Toulouse for the season.

"He said Salford's stance was they were happy to turn it down and for me to come in Friday and start the season with them. But I had a couple of hours, I spoke to Iestyn (Harris) and he said Salford were happy for me to speak to Toulouse.

"Salford had recruited a lot of wingers, and quality ones as well, four or five who would get starts in most Super League teams.

"I had a bit of security there, two years with an option. But when Toulouse was thrown in the opportunity was too hard to turn down, it was something I thought could pay off in the long run."

Russell now boasts arguably the most cultured career in the sport. His time in the game has seen him play for Gold Coast, Toronto and Toulouse, quite a far cry from the standard galavanting across the M62.

"I've said before, I've the most respect for