MATTHEW Etherington has dismissed reports he is unhappy at Stoke City and on his way back to a London club.

The 27-year-old winger has been linked with a summer move to Fulham, less than four months after joining Stoke from West Ham for £2m. But Etherington says speculation that he wants to leave City is nonsense.

The winger, who has three years left on his contract, says he is looking forward to playing for Stoke next season.

He said: “I haven’t a clue where all this has come from. It’s complete speculation.

“A few people have mentioned it to me. Even my dad texted me this week to ask what it was all about.

“I can categorically say, hand on heart, that I have not heard anything about a move.

“People make up these stories and I don’t know where they get it from.

“I am more than happy at Stoke and, hopefully, will be here for a long time. I have no intention of going anywhere, and that’s a fact.”

Etherington admitted he expects to one day settle back in the capital, but for now is enjoying life at Stoke.

He said: “It was a difficult decision to leave West Ham because I have family and friends down there.

“But my girlfriend has moved up with me and I am happy here.

“It has definitely been the right decision for me at this time in my career. I have loved every minute of it, especially playing at the Britannia.

“You have to see and hear it to believe it. It is great to play in front of those fans, who have been great to me.”

Stoke can celebrate Premier League survival in front of their own supporters on Saturday if they can beat Etherington’s old club.

He spent five-and-a-half years at Upton Park, having played across the city for Tottenham Hotspur for four years.

He doesn’t expect an easy game as Gianfranco Zola’s eighth-placed Hammers are chasing a Europa League place.

He said: “It is against one of my old clubs, but I just want to get three points for Stoke City and put all doubts to bed that people could catch us.

“The three points are massive for us. If we can get them, then I think it is job done.

“But West Ham have something to play for as well, so I am sure it will be a tough game.”