West Ham defender James Tomkins insists he wants to play in the Premier League - but only with the Hammers.
England U21 international a target for Premier League clubs
West Ham defender James Tomkins insists he wants to play in the Premier League - but only with the Hammers.
The 22-year-old has been linked with Queens Park Rangers, Tottenham and Newcastle during the transfer window after his impressive performances for the Hammers.
His quality early season displays and his increasing maturity convinced Sam Allardyce to hand him a four-year deal to secure his long-term future.
It was a contract that Tomkins readily signed as he believes he is at a club where he can fulfil his ambitions.
Leaving
"It is extremely flattering to attract the interest of other clubs but leaving West Ham is not something I have ever seriously considered," Tomkins told the
Sunday Mirror.
"Naturally I want to play at the highest level and the Premier League is arguably the best in the world.
"But I want to do that in a West Ham shirt not playing for another club."
The youth policy at Upton Park has yielded countless top-class professionals over the last few decades and it seems Tomkins is another in the making.
Loyalty
His affinity with the East London outfit is obvious, clearly a result of him being entwined in the fabric of the club from a young age.
"I'm a local boy and have come through the ranks at the club and loyalty is a far bigger currency to me than money," he added.
"I'm extremely ambitious and striving to be the best player that I can.
"I love it at West Ham and feel under manager Sam Allardyce I'm continuing to improve as a player.
"If I keep working hard hopefully I will continue to improve."
