Former Sunderland forward Asamoah Gyan has distanced himself from speculation linking him with a move to West Ham United by claiming that his "heart and soul are attached to Al Ain".

Gyan was the subject of a loan approach from the Hammers earlier this week, but the 28-year-old Ghana international insists that he is in no rush to leave his current employers in the United Arab Emirates.

"My heart and soul are attached to Al Ain and I always look forward to show the best level that satisfies my ambitions with my team and the fans and administration's aspirations as well," Gyan told ghanasoccernet.com.

"When my mom passed away I was thinking about my team and, when I will be with my national team in the World Cup, I will work with the same level with my national team to hit the targets of myself and my people.

"I will never think of avoiding to get injured during the matches of Al Ain as it may happen anywhere at any time, not only in training sessions and matches with Al Ain. West Ham have made an offer for me, but it is up to Al Ain to make a decision. I have a contract with them. So I will remain focused on my work."

Gyan scored 10 goals in 34 Premier League appearances for Sunderland between 2010 and 2012.