Transfer news: Manchester City insist there is 'no chance' Joe Hart could go out on loan

Rumours have linked the England goalkeeper with a move elsewhere in January after being dropped by Manuel Pellegrini

Joe Hart (GETTY IMAGES)

Manuel Pellegrini insists there is 'no chance' that Joe Hart will be allowed to leave the club in January following rumours that the keeper could be allowed to go out on loan.

The tittle-tattle has come after the England number one was dropped following a collection of high profile gaffes, with reports that Manchester City could look to sign a new keeper in the mid-season transfer window.

However, Pellegrini says the rumours are nonsense.

"There is a lot of news about six or seven goalkeepers that we want to buy but it is not true.

"There is no chance that Joe Hart could go out of this squad in January."

Hart has not played in Manchester City's last five games, although he will line-up in goal for the Champions League game against Viktoria Plzen on Wedneday.

Costel Pantilimon has done little wrong since taking Hart's place and could be back in goal for Sunday's clash with Swansea in the Premier League.

Pellegrini said: "I think that is a question for next Saturday.

"When we start the next game of the Premier League we will talk about who will start playing.

"The important thing for Joe is that he will play tomorrow and we hope he will have a very good performance."

Manchester City have already qualified for the knock-out stage of the Champions League, however Pellegrini is keen for his side, who beat Tottenham 6-0 at the weekend, to try and supplant Bayern Munich at the top of Group D.

"I think it is very important to win the group," he said.

"It is not the most important thing, the most important thing is to qualify, but it is very important to play well also.

"The most important thing is to win and then we will see what happens."

Captain Vincent Kompany trained with the squad ahead of the game but is not yet ready to return to action after a thigh injury.

Pellegrini said: "Vincent started this week on some work with the whole squad. I think next week he could play."