Manuel Pellegrini: Joleon Lescott "important" to Manchester City

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has insisted that Joleon Lescott is an "important" member of his squad amid rumours linking the centre-back with a move away from the Etihad.

A number of teams, including West Ham United and Newcastle United, are reportedly interested in the player, but Pellegrini said that he would be staying put for the moment.

"Joleon Lescott is a very important player for us," Pellegrini told the club's official website. "I understand the he finishes his contract in June here, but we will see what happens in the future.

"For the moment, he is still here and I repeat that he is a very useful player for our team. At this moment we are not considering [him leaving in January]. We will see in the future during the transfer window what will happen."

The Citizens take on Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup on Saturday.