Despite the rumours in the press I can categorically deny that I have had any talks with Bolton Wanderers about a move away from Manchester City.

It was said in the Bolton Evening News on Monday, an evening newspaper not too far away from Manchester, that we had opened negotiations over a transfer.

But that is not true and, anyway, as I am still under contract at City the two clubs would have to meet first and agree a fee before I could talk to anyone.

Personally, I don't get caught up with what is in the newspapers. As the result of past experiences I prefer to not even read them. Even if a player hears something about a team being interested in them and even if they want to leave, the effort, first and foremost, has to come from their club.

I have said on many occasions that I want to stay at City and so as far as I am concerned if you're happy there is no need to make any sort of noise. I presume the story came about because we finally arranged a deal with Leeds United for Robbie Fowler.

Yesterday afternoon the club agreed terms with Robbie after United and City came to an agreement over the fee on Monday.

I understand he is to have a medical today in the hope that he is available to play on Saturday against Newcastle United.

That would give us seven strikers at the club, when everyone is fit, and I am not sure it is possible for all to be kept happy.

Those not in the first team might not even be guaranteed a place in the reserves starting line-up.

If I was younger, say 23 or 24, something like this might bother me - a young player might see someone new come in and think ‘That's me finished now'.

But I am older and more experienced and I understand that opportunities always present themselves. People leave, players get injured and changes of systems all happen and instead of looking for a way out it can actually be an incentive to stay.

I believe that when I have got the shirt, as on Saturday against Leeds, I have deserved and earned it and I am there on my own merit.

So while some people might look at Robbie arriving as a sign that people might be leaving I look at it as a challenge.

No one should be surprised that a progressive club such as ours is in the market for strikers of that quality. Some things are inevitable and this is one such instance.

I am not thinking any differently to the way I did when players came to the club previously. I look at it this way - if I get in the team I know I have to play at a high level. I have to work hard to keep that player out of the starting 11. I have to maintain a high standard because if not I know there is someone waiting in the wings to take their chance and that has to be good for the team.

I have to believe that because if I don't then my mind is not right, I will perform half-hearted and I will be no good to anyone - myself, my club or my team-mates.

After scoring my sixth goal of the season on Saturday I believe I will be in the starting line-up this weekend for the game at St. James' Park.

That decision obviously rests with the manager. All I can do is take up the challenge, train hard and continue to do my best for City.