Manchester City Transfer News: Yaya Toure Latest, New Virgil van Dijk Rumours

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed he will open discussions with Yaya Toure regarding his future, while Southampton will reportedly not sell City and Manchester United target Virgil van Dijk in January.

Toure has returned to a prominent role for the Citizens after spending the bulk of the first half of the season well outside of Guardiola's plans. A move away from the club seemed inevitable for the veteran, who is set to become a free agent at the end of this campaign.

His recent revival and Ilkay Gundogan's injury have opened the door for an extended stay at the Etihad Stadium, however, and while Guardiola isn't ready to guarantee a new deal, he told reporters he will talk to the Ivorian, per James Robson of the Manchester Evening News. When asked if Toure will receive an offer, he said:

"

I have no answer to that question.

I know he finishes his contract. Now we have time to discuss that.

What I am impressed by most is his huge quality. He looks like a boy. He played awesome.

It is not in terms of when he has the ball but the personality.

Yaya plays at that level because he is fit and focused. He is an exceptional player.

"

The 33-year-old is expected to be added to the UEFA Champions League squad in the wake of Gundogan's injury, and there's little doubt he deserves it. Toure has impressed in recent weeks, seizing his opportunity with both hands.

He scored both goals in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, his first minutes since August, and has featured regularly ever since. He was once again key in the recent win over Arsenal, per Squawka Football:

While he's getting up there in age, Toure remains one of the most gifted midfielders in the Premier League. His combination of raw power, vision and scoring ability make him a nightmare to defend, and he has bags of experience he uses to great effect.

Guardiola has already dismissed Toure once when the two worked together at Barcelona, but it seems the former AS Monaco man has finally convinced his manager. While a new contract is far from a guarantee, Toure will have the chance to impress further in the coming weeks, with Gundogan sidelined.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph (h/t Daily Express' Jack Otway) reported Southampton will not consider selling Van Dijk in January and that a summer move won't be made until the Saints have found a replacement.

The decision would be in line with Southampton's transfer policy over the last few years, as the club has mostly cashed in on their top players in the summer. Per the report, Morgan Schneiderlin, Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana were only sold after Southampton had identified their replacements.

The news is a blow for both Manchester clubs, who are in dire need of depth and quality at the centre-back position in January.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

City, in particular, have been vulnerable at the back, and Guardiola has yet to find an answer to his team's defensive woes.

The Dutchman isn't just an athletic specimen who can block attackers seemingly at will; he also happens to be great with the ball at his feet, something required under Guardiola. Just have a look at this key statistic from Squawka Football:

Southampton will undoubtedly hold out for a massive fee―£40 million the figure most quoted―and won't be in any hurry to sell their star defender.