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Villarreal boss Manuel Pellegrini has insisted that the club will not sell Jozy Altidore in the January transfer window and that the forward is very much in his plans for the future.

The USA international has only started two matches in La Liga since arriving at El Madrigal from New York Red Bulls in the summer, but Pellegrini has reacted to reported interest from Everton by ruling out an exit for the 19-year-old.

"The squad is prepared for the battles of the second part of the season," said Pellegrini. "I have demanded the continuity of Altidore within our club, but the final decision lies with the directors."

Altidore scored his first goal for the Yellow Submarine in the 4-1 win at Athletic Bilbao in November, but is behind Giuseppe Rossi, Nihat Kahveci and Joseba Llorente in the pecking order.

A club spokesman confirmed that several clubs had enquired about taking the Florida-born player on loan, but that the club were not interested.

The spokesman said: "Some clubs have asked about Altidore, but formally there is nothing on the table.

"Altidore is a player of the future and Villarreal is not interested in a sale."

Eurosport