Kanoute fury at transfer rumours

Freddie Kanoute revealed today that he is unhappy with suggestions that Tottenham are trying to offload him.

There were reports that the Spurs move for Southampton striker James Beattie broke down because Kanoute would not go the other way as part of the deal.

But today the Mali striker said he has not told new coach Jacques Santini that he wants to leave.

Santini offloaded the striker at Lyon and refused to pick him for France when in charge of the national side. Indeed, Kanoute grew so fed-up of waiting for Santini to select him, he switched his international allegiance to Mali last January.

But Kanoute today still insisted he did not want to leave White Hart Lane.

He said: "I am angry with all the rumours regarding my future. I am happy at Tottenham and if I wanted to move I would tell my agent. I am just concentrating on things at Tottenham and if Mr Santini is happy to keep me I am more than willing to stay."

The player's agent, Willie McKay, added: "There have been no approaches for Freddie. I know there are a few clubs that would like him, but he is happy to stay at Tottenham."

Spurs, meanwhile, are still looking into signing West Ham midfielder Michael Carrick, who was withdrawn from the Hammers' reserve-team friendly against Norwich in order to hold talks with the north London club.