SPORT Iheanacho’s loan move ruled out

Kelechi Iheanacho will not be seeking a loan move away from Manchester City during the January transfer window, according to the striker’s father. The 20-year-old forward has started to slip down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium, with competition for places fierce in Pep Guardiola’s squad. He did start the season in fine form, netting three times in his opening six appearances.

There have been just three more goals since then, though, as his game time has dwindled.

The arrival of Gabriel Jesus at City is threatening to block his path further, with Iheanacho failing to make the squad for Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham.

He is, however, happy to stay and fight for his place, with talk of a potential switch elsewhere quickly quashed.

“Automatically Kelechi is not going on loan because his name is not among the players leaving,” James Iheanacho told allnigeriasoccer. com.

“It is only [on Saturday] he did not play.”

Iheanacho made the breakthrough at City last season, netting 14 times in all competitions - including a hattrick in a FA Cup clash with Aston Villa.

Guardiola has already sought to reassure the youngster that he will be given regular outings this season, stating back in November: “My advice is keep going, keep fighting, sooner or later everything is coming back, and of course he’s going to have his minutes.”