Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has ruled out selling Edin Dzeko in the January transfer window.

The Bosnian forward is down the pecking order at City after falling behind Alvaro Negredo and Sergio Aguero, and a recent report claimed that AC Milan were lining up a summer swoop.

However, the Chilean coach has said that his striker will not be sold in the New Year.

The Guardian quotes Pellegrini as saying: "There was never any chance of Dzeko going in January. He is a very important member of the squad.

"If you revise the last month you will see that he has played games in December and he will be very important. Every player wants to play every game but, given the games we have, it is impossible for that to happen. I repeat that I think he is happy.

"He is an important player and there may be offers but he won't leave."

Dzeko scored the winning goal as City beat Crystal Palace 1-0 on December 28.