Anton Ferdinand has dismissed the link-up with Premiership rivals Aston Villa and Newcastle as ‘speculation’ and stressed that he is looking forward to be back in pre-season training for West Ham United.

The 23-year-old centre-back, speaking to Sky Sports News while undertaking charity work in Africa, claimed that he wants to stay at Upton Park until boss Alan Curbishley has other plans.

“It's just speculation. Until I get back to London I don't know what is going on,” he said.

“For me personally, until Alan Curbishley says I am not a West Ham player, then I will be a West Ham player. I love playing for the club."