Kanoute resigned to life in First Division

Frederic Kanoute is resigning himself to life in the Nationwide First Division with West Ham despite persistent speculation linking him with a move away from Upton Park.

The French striker was a target for north London rivals Tottenham, but with Brighton's Bobby Zamora set to join Helder Postiga at White Hart Lane, Kanoute looks destined to remain at West Ham.

He told the official club website: "If I have to play in the First Division I will; it is going to be difficult and I don't know how they play there.

"But it is going to be very tough and we have to adapt - but it is football anyway.

"It is not the end of the world but we did deserve it because we didn't play very well last season.

"We just have to stick together to get back into the Premiership - and that is it."

Kanoute was limited by injury to just 17 appearances last season and claims he is ignoring the speculation about his future to concentrate on returning to full fitness.

He said: "I don't know where I will start the season; I am just focused on the training now and I don't want to think about something else.

"I have an agent and if he finds something or someone calls him we will discuss the project.

"But if it doesn't happen I will do my job in training and that is it."