Sainsbury CEO King plays down M&S speculation

* King says he sees his future at Sainsbury

LONDON, Sept 3 (Reuters) -The chief executive of UK supermarket chain Sainsbury (SBRY.L) played down on Thursday speculations that he could take up the equivalent position at retailer Marks & Spencer (MKS.L).

Asked during an interview with Sky News whether he was the favourite to replace Marks & Spencer's Stuart Rose, Sainsbury CEO Justin King said: "I've said many, many times I am thoroughly enthusiastic about Sainsbury's."

"I see my future at Sainsbury's," he said. King left M&S in 2003, stepping down as executive director of the food unit before joining Sainsbury in 2004.

"I am enjoying my time at Sainsbury's and I see myself at Sainsbury's for a long time to come," he also said in the interview.

Earlier this week, media reports said Marks & Spencer was close to appointing a headhunter to start the search for Rose's successor next year.

Rose is expected to stay on for a period as chairman after the new chief executive is appointed. He will step down from both roles by July 2011.

John Dixon, head of Marks & Spencer's food business, is reported to be among possible candidates for Rose's job. (Reporting by Cecilia Valente; Editing by Tim Dobbyn)