Kanoute shuns English transfer interest

The Malian striker was a great success with Sevilla (GETTY IMAGES)

Striker Freddie Kanoute has pledged his future to Sevilla despite revealing that several clubs in England are keen to take him back to the Premier League.

The 31-year-old Malian has been one of the most lethal marksmen in Spain following his arrival from Tottenham Hotspur in summer 2005.

Kanoute has 15 months remaining on his existing deal and, despite interest from England, is hoping to sign a new deal at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

"My agent keeps getting calls from English clubs but I have a contract with Sevilla," he said.

"In England I still have a good reputation which is a good sign and means that people remember the work that I did there.

"I know I will soon begin negotiations to extend my contract but I need to speak to the club's president and sports director to see the club's plans and mine.

"I don't know how many years I have left but I am fine physically and hope to continue for many more years."

Meanwhile, Deportivo La Coruna coach Miguel Angel Lotina has revealed his surprise at how well his side has performed this season.

Depor are currently seventh in the La Liga table and on course for European qualification despite a succession of seasons in the doldrums following serious financial problems at the Riazor.

"The team has surprised me, as much in their play as in results," said Lotina.

"I didn't expect to be at this stage of the season with 42 points. The players have surprised me both individually and collectively."

Almeria's Alvaro Negredo claims he is in no rush to win his first international call-up despite a wave of support for the striker to be included in the next Spain squad.

The 23-year-old frontman's stock has risen this season after scoring 16 La Liga goals for minnows Almeria.

But Negredo claims he won't be too downhearted should he not be included in coach Vicente del Bosque's squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifying double-header against Turkey.

"I'm calm, I'm training the same as always and it's nothing more than talk that I could get into del Bosque's list," said the former Real Madrid youngster.

"My dream is to play with Spain and I would like to see myself playing with the national team.

"I'm a young player and if I continue working as I have until now the chance will arrive. I have a lot of time ahead of me."