New Che boss 'counts on' Gago

New Valencia boss Ernesto Valverde has no plans to allow reported Manchester City target Fernando Gago to leave the club in January.

The Argentina midfielder expressed his dismay after former manager Mauricio Pellegrino was sacked by the Mestalla board and he had looked set to push for a move next month.

Among the clubs to be named among the early contenders to try and tempt Valencia into selling were City.

But Valverde has other ideas, as he told Spanish media: "I count on him, because he is an important player who can do a lot for us.

"Now I have watched him play well for the team, fitting in and looking good in training."