Guardiola rules out transfers

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola looks set to put his faith in the club's up-and-coming talent rather than enter the transfer market this month to cover the loss of midfield duo Yaya Toure and Seydou Keita.

Toure and Keita are both on international duty at the African Nations Cup with the Ivory Coast and Mali respectively and Barca have been linked with various names as possible signings to help bolster the squad's ranks in their absence.

However, rather than look outside the club, Guardiola prefers to give more of his youngsters a chance to shine, players such as Jonathan dos Santos, Thiago Alcantara, Victor Vazquez and Gai Assulin.

When asked about possible signings in January, Guardiola said: "As far as I know we have nothing planned."

He added: "It's not worth it to bring in a player for one month.

"In the centre of midfield I've got a lot of options. I have five central midfielders, plus the players in the reserves. For one month I'd prefer to give them an opportunity, I know them and I know they will do well."