M'Vila leaves Rennes for Rubin

France midfielder Yann M'Vila has joined UEFA Europa League contenders FC Rubin Kazan from Stade Rennais FC for a reported transfer fee of €12m.

"Big thanks to Rubin for the trust they have put in me," said M'Vila, who has signed a four-year contract. "I will do my best to prove my worth here. This move is a new challenge in my career. I also thank Rennes, where I became a professional player over the last nine seasons."

"I am delighted to have a player like Yann M'Vila at Rubin," said coach Kurban Berdyev. "His arrival will help our team define its own playing style and create a competitive squad capable of doing big things not only in Russia but in Europe too. I hope he will improve with each year and become a real leader of our team."

The 22-year-old holding midfielder played for SC Amiens at youth level before moving to Rennes, his first senior club. He appeared in 126 Ligue 1 matches for Les Rouges et Noirs and made his international debut in August 2010. M'Vila has won 22 caps, including three outings at UEFA EURO 2012.

UEFA Europa League Group H winners Rubin meet holders Club Atlético de Madrid in the round of 32 on 14 and 21 February. They lie seventh in the Russian Premier League, 12 points adrift of leaders PFC CSKA Moskva.