Nicolas Anelka admits he could quit Bolton if their poor start to the season continues but insists he is not going to be cheap because he refuses to budge on his salary demands.

The France striker has been linked with a number of leading European sides over the summer but has remained at the Trotters.

The former Arsenal and Real Madrid striker claims he is "very happy" at the club, but with Bolton having lost their opening three games of the new Premier League campaign, Anelka's future has been the subject of intense speculation.

And he insists he will not settle for playing for a team who is not challenging for honours.

"Things are going well at Bolton, even if the results are not there," he said. "I will fight for the club because they allowed me to return to England.

"But if I have to leave, it will be because of bad results. I want to be in a team that rivals the big clubs and who is not playing to finish 10th or 15th."

Anelka, who has also played for Liverpool and Manchester City in the English top flight, has rediscovered some form while at Bolton, and is now a regular in the France team.

But despite being the target of much speculation, he claims he has not been approached by any of England's "big clubs".

"During the summer, there has only been speculation about me," added the former Paris St Germain striker. "No club has made an offer to Bolton, therefore I haven't really had to choose.

"People talk about Arsenal, Manchester United - that is just chit-chat. At no moment has there been a real desire to sign me.

"I have waited to rediscover a big club for a long time. If I have to sign for a club that isn't among the biggest five in England, it is because the doors are shut elsewhere.

"In fact, a lot of clubs are interested in me, but when they take into account that my salary is important, they leave it.

"I am not ready to make sacrifices financially. I know my level, my qualities and I will not just accept anything."

The 28-year-old revealed he would have joined Italian giants Juventus had Didier Deschamps, their former French coach, not left in the summer.

The striker has also been linked all summer with Lyon, the French champions, but he insists he will not go back to France.

"That's an irrevocable decision," he added in French daily L'Equipe. "Whether it's August 31st or January 18th, I will not return to France.

"I am not saying it would be a regressive step - Ligue 1 is a very good championship, with some very good players.

"But when you leave you mustn't return. I did it once, with Paris St Germain seven years ago, and I will not do it again."