Manchester City has been linked to a January transfer for Isco.

Manuel Pellegrini said City already has a "complete squad."

Isco played for Pellegrini with Malaga.

"I don't talk about rumors," Pellegrini said in a news conference. "I am telling you what I am thinking about for our squad in this moment."

Pellegrini has appeared to rule out any major moves.

"Really I think the squad is complete. As always, I said that we are not going to close the window [now] but we are not really thinking of any special players to bring in."

Arsene Wenger is promising a "busy" January transfer window after failing to sign a single outfield player in the summer.

Arsenal has suffered a run of injuries this season, particularly in central midfield.

"I will be busy that is for sure. I have already said we are short."

Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere all sidelined.

Rafa Benitez believes there is a campaign against him, Florentino Perez and Real Madrid.

“There is a campaign against [the president] Florentino [Pérez], Real Madrid and me,” said Benítez. “Everything is criticised that can be and where not it is manipulated which anyone can see. This is particularly clear if you look at the situation from the outside.”

Real Madrid have struggled against stronger sides this season, including a 4-0 loss to Barcelona in November.

But the club remains just two points behind Barcelona and Atletico.

“Everything is being magnified and I have a lot of experience coaching so I know to be distracted as little as possible,” Benítez said. “I have 24 players in the squad but when I leave out one player then it is made out that it is something personal and a load of speculation is built up. The team is a lot better than people think.

“My relationship with the players is infinitely better than what you read in the press. There is a communications department that keeps me informed. The team is doing some things well and others not so much.”

Luis Enrique has hinted at the possibility of Barcelona acquiring Denis Suarez of Villarreal during the January transfer window.

Barcelona have been linked with moves in the January transfer market with Celta Vigo's former Barca-B attacker Nolito a long-time target of Enrique, although reports have claimed that the club cannot currently afford his €19 million release clause.

Enrique told his pregame news conference ahead of Wednesday's game against Real Betis that the under-21 playmaker Suarez had impressed him, saying: "[Suarez] has been doing well. At Sevilla [on loan last season] he did not get playing time, and at Villarreal he is doing very well. He could be an interesting player."

Sergio Aguero doubts Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona for Manchester City.

Aguero and Messi are close friends and Argentina teammates.

Messi has often been linked to a move to Manchester City.

City goalkeeper Willy Caballero said last week that bringing his fellow Argentine to the club was "possible."

"It's very difficult for Leo to leave Barcelona, because he's played there since he was very young and it's not easy for him to think about another team," Aguergo said.

"So no... hopefully he can be here at City obviously, but of course it's always the player's decision and I think he's very comfortable and very calm in Barcelona."

Louis van Gaal was defiant following another winless match by Manchester United.

United drew Chelsea 0-0 at Old Trafford with the job of Van Gaal reportedly hanging in the balance.

Van Gaal claimed his comments following United's 2-0 loss to Stoke City two days prior were taken out of context when he mentioned possibly stepping down.

Van Gaal said: “I think I didn’t say that. I have said that a club can sack you but that a manager can also resign by himself. When a colleague of you then writes it in another context, no, I have given you in a press conference a [comment] that it is not only part of the decision, also the manager can take that decision.

“I have said also in all my press conferences, they are asking all the time: ‘Are you concerned that maybe they sack you?’ Of course I am concerned but I am more concerned to prepare my players.

“Then I read things in the press. They are lies, not based on facts. They are the reasons I walk away in a press conference and not angrily. No, I walk with quietness because I want to make my point.

“For me, it [his future] is not an interesting subject because I cannot have any influence on that, I can only work with my players and you can see they are fighting for me. Even after this result the fans were applauding so I cannot say I’m very much concerned. In this football world you never know but I’m fully confident in the board and my players.

“Will I resign? On the contrary. When the players can give such a performance with a lot of pressure, there is not any reason to resign for me. Maybe the media wants me to but I shall not resign. It’s not a question of staying. It’s a question of fulfilling my contract.”

Andrea Pirlo has ruled out returning to Serie A for a loan this winter.

Antonio Conte had suggested Pirlo's odds of making Italy's Euro 2016 roster would be improved if he played in Serie A.

Pirlo has vowed to see out his 18-month contract with New York City FC.

"I want to finish my contract in America," he said in Gazzetta dello Sport at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, where he was given the Player Career Award along with teammate Frank Lampard. "New York City are an ambitious club and I didn't go to America for a holiday, but for a winning experience. Our aim is always to go out there on the field to win.

"I'm not bothered by the transfer rumours -- I'm used to them. Lots of clubs have enquired about me, but I have a contract with New York City and I want to respect it.

"They have shown a lot of faith in me and, from January, we want to start preparation for the new season all together with a new coach [Patrick Vieira], doing things well to realise important ambitions."

A defeat by Manchester United at home against Chelsea on Monday would likely result in the departure of Louis van Gaal.

United lost to Stoke City on Boxing Day, their fourth straight defeat and seventh match without a win.

It is believed Ed Woodward and Van Gaal held talks over the weekend.

Despite the dire recent results he denied his oft-mentioned “philosophy” is not working at United.

“There has been progression,” he said. “A month ago we were first in the Premier League, maybe you remember that? But we lost important games and now we have to come back, in more difficult situations than last season. We were there and we have fallen back. And that’s different. Everybody is judging differently, and that is what’s happening now, and you have to cope with it.”

Arsenal have engaged in transfer talks with Basel on Mohamed Elneny.

Arsene Wenger would like to improve his central midfield options.

Sources said Arsenal are confident they can agree a fee in the region of £7 million.

In April, Elneny told The Cairo Post he had been learning English and added: "The Premier League is a big dream for any player, and I hope to move there one day.

"But I am entirely focused on finishing the season with Basel outstandingly, and then I will think about offers from any other clubs."

Neymar is hopeful of agreeing upon an extension with Barcelona but he hasn't ruled out an exit.

The two sides have been openly discussing an extension for several months.

"We're talking about a renewal right now."

Asked if he was optimistic, he said: "Yes, of course."

Neymar was linked to Manchester United during the summer transfer window.

Catalan newspaper Sport has reported that Real president Florentino Perez has frequently called Neymar Sr. to try to set up a meeting but has been unsuccessful.

Manchester City has also been interested in Neymar.

Neymar was asked if he would rule out an exit.

"I don't know, life is long," said Neymar.