Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso insists he was never tempted by Premiership clubs in the summer.

"I never thought about leaving Sporting to join another club," Veloso, who was a target for Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, told reporters. "In addition, I have signed a contract until June 2013 and I will give the maximum to the team.

"To be honest I didn't pay much attention to the news published in the press regarding my future this summer.

"Frankly I'm aware of the fact English clubs are following me but I say again that I didn't speak with anybody and the club didn't receive offers.

"Sporting can fight for anything this season - the league and the Portuguese cup, and even playing an important role in the Champions League.

"The team seems stronger to me, with more experience than last year. Right now my present is important to me, not my future."