David James claims reports he considered leaving Portsmouth in the summer were wide of the mark. The keeper was linked with Tottenham before the transfer window closed at the beginning of September as Harry Redknapp was thought to be keen on a reunion.

The England international insists that he always remained committed to his club, who are struggling in the Premier League, in the face of a summer of uncertainty.

James said in the Daily Express ahead: "For me, leaving was never an issue. No-one had asked me, no-one put an offer in to buy me

"There was some frustration on my side because at the time a lot of players were going and there was a question mark over the stability of the club.

"You look at it and think everyone else is leaving, and although I am happy to stay why am I not involved in that?

"But I only took two seconds for me to look around the Premier League and realise people aren't going to ask for a goalkeeper if they don't need one."

The 39 year old is expected to be a member of Fabio Capello's England squad for the 2010 World Cup and some have suggested the shot-stopper may retire after the tournament.

"Three factors will determine when I finish.

"One is if I am still fit enough to play, the second is desire, and the third is if someone still wants me to play for them.

"I don't want to retire just yet. One of the lads here asked me if I will retire after the World Cup. I said, 'Why?'

"There will come a time when any one of those three factors will determine my future."