Man City told Belhanda is not for sale this summer

Manchester City will have to look elsewhere for a new playmaker after Montpellier manager Rene Girard ruled out Younes Belhanda being sold this summer.

City have already missed out on Eden Hazard, who has opted for a move to Chelsea, and it has been reported that Roberto Mancini sees Belhanda as the perfect alternative.

Arsenal and Chelsea are also understood to be interested in the exciting 22-year-old, who was recently crowned France's Young Player of the Year.

But Girard insists Belhanda will stay at Montpellier for another season after helping the club clinch a first ever Ligue Un title.

He told Canal+: "Younes will stay with us. From the point of view of the club it is best that he stays with us for one more year. The Champions League should allow a great improvement in his game."