Manuel Pellegrini rejects rumours Manchester City want to sell Yaya Toure

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has refuted reports that the club are considering selling Yaya Toure next summer.

The Ivorian caused controversy at the end of last season by criticising the club for not celebrating his 31st birthday.

Despite Toure remaining a regular first-team member, reports have emerged claiming that the club are already lining up possible replacements, including Ross Barkley and Paul Pogba.

In response to the rumours, Pellegrini told reporters: "There are a lot of reports Yaya will be sold. Nowhere in this club are we talking about that. Yaya is very important."

Toure, who was sent off during midweek's 2-1 defeat to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League, has been a City player since 2010 following his move from Barcelona.