Pellegrini coy over City's transfer plans

17 January 2014 14:31

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini remains guarded about his plans for the January transfer window.

Pellegrini has consistently refused to confirm or deny whether he might attempt to strengthen his star-studded squad this month as they chase glory in four competitions.

Southampton's highly-rated left-back Luke Shaw is one of the latest names to be linked with the Etihad Stadium but Pellegrini was coy when asked about the 18-year-old.

Pellegrini, speaking at a press conference, said: "No, no, no - I don't confirm about any names because we are not concerned about that in this moment.

"We are just thinking about Cardiff tomorrow and not in the winter transfer window.

"During the whole of January we will see what happens, all the clubs can do transfers but I am not interested in one name especially. I don't say nothing about it."

There have been numerous suggestions Pellegrini might be interested in bringing in extra defensive cover.

That could be a stumbling block to the potential departure of Joleon Lescott, although Pellegrini has publicly maintained he does not want the England centre-back to leave.

Lescott, who has fallen down the pecking order in the last two seasons, has been heavily linked with West Ham.

The 31-year-old is also out of contract at the end of the season but Pellegrini insists the situation has not changed from his point of view.

He said: "I repeat exactly the same answer, I am not talking about transfers at this moment because it is not our priority."

Key trio Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Yaya Toure are all back in contention for this weekend's home clash with Cardiff in the Barclays Premier League.

Pellegrini chose to rest them for the midweek FA Cup third-round replay over Blackburn, in the cases of Silva and Toure as a precaution because of niggling injuries.

Striker Sergio Aguero, who came off the bench to score in the 5-0 rout of Blackburn after eight games out, is in contention but could again be among the substitutes.

Fellow forward Stevan Jovetic, whose City career is yet to begin in earnest due to injuries and illness, could figure against West Ham in the Capital One Cup next Tuesday.

City travel to Upton Park for the second leg of their semi-final leading 6-0 on aggregate.

Pellegrini said: "Stevan Jovetic is close to a comeback but is not ready.

"He is not in the squad because he is not ready for this match but maybe next week he will be fit."

Source: PA