Diame denies departure rumours

Mo Diame had denied reports that he wants to leave West Ham United.

The Daily Mail claimed earlier this week that the 25-year-old midfielder wanted to activate the £3.5million minimum fee release clause in his current contract in order to leave east London.

However Diame, speaking via the club's website, refuted the newspaper's claims by insisting that he has no intention of leaving West Ham during the current transfer window.

"I know there are people out there saying things about me but I have spoken with the manager and told him that I want to stay here," he said. "I know the club want to keep me too so I will continue to give my best for them.

"I knew when I signed that West Ham were going to make their mark on the Premier League. Since I came here I am enjoying every game I play on the pitch. I think I made a good choice because I'm very happy at this club."

Diame - who was a second half substitute in last night's 5-1 thrashing at Arsenal, one of the clubs said to be interested in acquiring his services - is currently considering a new contract offer from West Ham that would take his weekly wage from £40k to £50k.

And Sam Allardyce, who is determined to keep possibly his best signing of pre-season, believes that agent interference is the root cause of this week's 'disruptive' stories.

"I don't think there's anything in the story," he said. "Mo has not been to me and said he is unhappy in any way. We've had no bids from any clubs, he's our player and hopefully come February 1st he will still be our player."