Nicolas Anelka says he is staying at Bolton after holding talks with manager Sammy Lee.

The 28-year-old striker’s future had been linked with a move away from the Reebok following the departure of boss Sam Alllardyce to Newcastle.

“There has been a lot of speculation about my future but I can honestly say that I am very happy in England and at Bolton,” he told the club’s website.

“This is a great club with a strong mentality around being successful.”

Anelka joined Bolton in a club record £8m deal from Fenerbahce in August 2006 and has recently returned to the France national side.

“I have sat down with Sammy Lee over the weekend and he has outlined his plans for the coming season.

“I like his philosophy and I am looking forward to working with him at the club.

“He is passionate and wants to continue Bolton’s recent success.

“His ambition matches mine and I want to commit to him.”

Lee acknowledged that Anelka would ultimately like to play in the Champions League – an ambition he believes could realised at Bolton.

“I have been concerned about the speculation in the media linking some of my players with moves away from the club,” he said.

“It has been unsettling but I remain confident that quality players will want to stay here.

“I had a very positive conversation with Nicolas and he has given me his commitment.

“He enjoys playing for Bolton and last season he felt that his career was progressing back to his best on the back of his solid performances for us.

“I know he has ambitions of playing in the Champions League again, which I hope can be achieved with us.

“If that can’t be the case, I will not stand in his way should a Champions League club come in for him and the deal is right for Bolton Wanderers.

“Until that time, he doesn’t want to play football anywhere else but here.”