Neither James Milner nor Micah Richards are expected to leave Manchester City permanently during the January transfer window.

Both England internationals' contracts at the Etihad Stadium expire at the end of the season.

Numerous Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Arsenal, are believed to be monitoring Milner's situation with interest as his negotiations over a new deal with the champions continue.

Sky Sports News reports that the Citizens are optimistic that he will sign an extension and are thus not considering cashing in on the 29-year-old this month, risking losing him on a free if he does not.

Richards, who is currently on loan at Italian club Fiorentina, is more likely to depart City in the summer and rumours have claimed that Chelsea are interested in bringing him to Stamford Bridge in July.