Samaras, a £6million signing from Dutch side Heerenveen last year, was one of a number of City players linked with a move away from the club following manager Sven-Goran Eriksson's extensive summer rebuilding.

But while the club did send fellow forwards Bernardo Corradi and Paul Dickov out on loan before last night's transfer deadline - to Serie A side Parma and Crystal Palace respectively - the Greece international remains a City player.

Samaras has now responded to speculation by issuing a statement through his lawyer, Gregory Ioannidis.

It read: "My future at Manchester City has been the subject of enormous speculation over the period of the last three days.

"I wish to clarify the situation by stating that I am fully committed to the club and that I have never expressed any views regarding my departure from it.

"I have the determination, dedication and perseverance to assist my team when I am asked to. Manchester City is my home and I have nothing but enormous appreciation for the board, the manager and the fans for the support they have given me throughout."