Youssouf Mulumbu: Denies saying that he wants to leave West Brom in January

The French media had the Baggies midfielder announcing that he wished to depart The Hawthorns for a 'classy club' - one that could match his ambition.

Mulumbu was also said to have questioned the professionalism and maturity of the West Brom squad, suggesting that they lack the levels required to pick up results against top sides.

Boss Steve Clarke has already come out in support of the 26-year-old midfielder, stressing that no internal action will be taken.

Mulumbu has now given his side of the story, with the Congo international adamant that he has been misrepresented.

He said in the Birmingham Mail: "I did an interview with a French journalist last week but I am not very happy about how my answers have been reported.

"I have been here for five years now and would never refer to my team-mates that way. I just spoke about the fact we need to get better at controlling games after the points we've let slip recently.

"The general point I was trying to make in the interview is that I want to play at the highest level possible.

"I admitted there has been interest in me from other clubs during my time here but I didn't speak about Arsenal and I also didn't say I would be looking to move in January.

"Not many people had heard of me when I joined West Brom and I have a lot of respect for the club and, of course, the supporters.

"We have progressed together over the past five years and West Brom gave me my chance in the Premier League, which I'm grateful for.

"I signed a new contract last summer and my only focus is supporting my team-mates tomorrow (against Manchester City) and then trying to help the club finish as high up the table as possible."