Monday 16 June 2014 13:27, UK
Free agent Marouane Chamakh has admitted he is determined to stay in the Premier League, even if he fails to agree a new deal at Crystal Palace.
Chamakh is out of contract at Crystal Palace later this month and therefore available on a free transfer.
Crystal Palace would like to keep Chamakh, but as yet no new deal has been agreed and the news has alerted a number of Palace's Premier League rivals.
Chamakh joined Palace last summer on a one-year deal after leaving Arsenal and the Moroccan played a key role in helping Palace to consolidate back in the top flight.
It took me a while to settle when I first came to England, like it does most players when they first come to the Premier League, but I am happy when I am playing and I want to continue doing that in the Premier League.
Chamakh admits whatever happens with Palace over a new deal he wants to stay in the Premier League.
"I am out of contract and if I do not stay at Crystal Palace I want to stay in England," Chamakh told Sky Sports.
"I love playing in the Premier League and I was really happy with how things went last season.
"It took me a while to settle when I first came to England, like it does most players when they first come to the Premier League, but I am happy when I am playing and I want to continue doing that in the Premier League.”
Chamakh's agent, Willie McKay, admitted there was growing interest from Premier League clubs to land the striker.
"Marouane is one of the best free agents around this summer and I have spoken to a number of Premier League clubs about him," said McKay.
"When he joined Arsenal from Bordeaux everyone in Europe wanted to sign him and although things did not work out at Arsenal, I think Marouane showed what a top player he was for Crystal Palace last season.
"Marouane is happy and settled in England and wants to stay in the Premier League and hopefully we can have his future resolved within the next 10 days."
