Kanoute: It's grim up north

Kanoute: It's always raining

West Ham star Frederic Kanoute says he needs to join a bigger club to further his international ambitions - but says he will not move north.

The French striker says he does not really like the north of England - because of the weather and he finds the terraced houses depressing.

He said: "It's always raining, it's very cold and I don't like all those little houses.

"It's not for me. I couldn't see myself ever playing for someone like Middlesbrough or Everton.

"My friend Joseph-Desire Job plays for Middlesbrough and he tells me how quiet it is.

"I don't like all those little houses"

"I come from the city and need to have things going on around me."

While Everton and Middlesbrough are hardly challenging for honours, three of the top four clubs in the Premiership lie north of Watford.

Indeed it seems Kanoute would be able to put aside his dislike of the English north for a chance to play at Old Trafford, though he has now stressed that he does not want to leave Upton Park.

Kanoute told The Mirror: "When you are in a big team like Manchester United or Arsenal, the selectors will see you all the time.

"As soon as I get into that kind of team, the selectors will decide to look at me.

"I love West Ham and I'm not saying they are not a great team. They gave me a chance in the Premiership and I love playing for them.

"But the fact is you don't tend to get noticed if you're playing for the smaller clubs. Sometimes you have to move to get noticed."

Kanoute has been linked with a host of Premiership clubs following some eye-catching performances for the Hammers since his move from Lyon.

An £8m offer from Chelsea was turned down and Kanoute was handed a new contract last month to tie him to West Ham until the summer of 2005.

The new deal placed him at the top end of West Ham's money earners alongside Paolo di Canio and Stuart Pearce.

Kanoute stressed he was totally committed to the Hammers.

"In every game I must have the same approach: to give my best and be 100% committed as if it was my first game. It's the best way for me to keep my feet on the ground."