Anton Ferdinand made his West Ham debut in 2003 (GETTY)

Central defender Anton Ferdinand says he is happy at West Ham United despite being linked to Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle.

Ferdinand, 23, told BBC London 94.9: "I'm happy at this club, and until I get told I'm not a West Ham player, I will be a West Ham player.

"I've grown up at the club and I enjoy playing here.

"Should it happen that I leave West Ham, I know I'd be able to go with my head held high."

The Hammers defender says he has had a brief discussion with manager Alan Curbishley about his future but is expected to speak to him again in the next couple of days to resolve the situation.

"I've spoken to the manager briefly and he wants to get it sorted as quick as possible too, which is a good thing for me," said Ferdinand.

I want to play in Europe and I want to play for England Anton Ferdinand

"It's hard but it's the base, the start of your season. I'm looking forward to putting that West Ham shirt back on."

He added: "I'm an ambitious person. I want to play in Europe and I want to play for England."