West Ham captain Matt Upson has suggested that his future may well lay away from the Boleyn ground

West Ham captain Matt Upson has suggested that his future may well lay away from the Boleyn ground.

The England international has been at the heart of much speculation with Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester City all linked with moves for the England centre-half.

Club sources at West Ham have consistently denied players will have to be sold and say they are looking to keep the squad together, but the player himself seems less sure about where he will be plying his trade in the future.

"It's a difficult question because there are so many things out of my control and things that may happen," the 30-year-old said.

With the World Cup approaching many would think playing for a relegation-threatened team could harm his international chances, but Upson has made no hint that he wishes to leave.

In fact, the former Birmingham centre-half is determined to perform at his optimum for the club as they prepare to face bottom club Portsmouth at the Boleyn this Saturday.

"All I can focus on is the next game, getting myself right and being in the best form I can to pick up points for West Ham," he said

"As players we can't focus on results, we need to worry about performances. If we do and have no fear, not thinking about winning or losing, the result will take of itself.

"We have to work on that consistency. We need that spirit and that attitude and if we have that it, will carry us a long way."

Upson made his first start since November against Chelsea and in the four games he was missing at the heart of the defence, the Hammers conceded 11 goals.

The former Arsenal man put in a dependable display against the league leaders last Sunday, but was keen to praise his team-mates.

"We came out with a good attitude, a resilient game-plan and applied it, but it can't stop here," he said.

"We have to have that attitude every game. If we achieve that, we'll pick up some points.