Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has dismissed the rumours linking midfielder Nuri Sahin with a move away from the club.
The Turkey international has barely featured for Los Blancos since arriving from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
The 23-year-old has struggled with injury since he came to the Bernabeu and is yet to stake a claim for a first team place, with plenty of talent in Mourinho's squad. However, the former Inter Milan boss has quickly ended the continued rumours about Sahin's future, claiming that he is still in his plans.
"Sahin is an option we have to replace Xabi Alonso," Mourinho explained. "And he will be on the squad list tomorrow [against Malaga] and not on the stands," he added.
"He has made progress in the last few weeks. He has to keep up the good work and he shows he is a true professional.
"He will stay here next season and more is expected of him. We have faith in him. Rumours about him leaving are just rumours."
Sahin has made just five appearances all season for Real Madrid.
Sam Hughes
