Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has insisted that he does not want to leave the club in January.

The England international has struggled for first-team appearances in the Premier League this season and has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane.

"Of course, it is frustrating that for all the goals, I have not had much of a chance in the Premier League," he told The Express.

"Fans ask me all the time, but I don't need to tell anybody I am frustrated. That is just normal. People know I love my football, and I love scoring goals. When I am not getting the opportunity to do that, it is frustrating.

"But I have never once said I wanted to leave this football club. Even when I left the first time [in 2008], I didn't say I wanted to leave the club. All I will say is that I want to play."

Defoe has yet to score in the Premier League this season, but has netted nine times in seven matches in the Europa League and the League Cup.