Neymar and Jamie Vardy Transfer Rumours Reportedly Denied by Manchester City

Manchester City have dismissed any chances of moving for Barcelona star Neymar or Leicester City hotshot Jamie Vardy in the January transfer window following a spike in speculation linking the pair with transfers.  

Sergio Aguero's injury woes this season led to rumours the Citizens would strengthen their attacking options this winter, but the Guardian's Jamie Jackson reported the club has "categorically ruled out" any moves for the pair.

Eugene Hoshiko/Associated Press

Intrigue regarding Neymar grew after he was asked if he was aware of City's interest at a Spanish airport, per Rob Pollard of the Manchester Evening News, to which he replied: "Yes, yes."

The Barcelona sensation was then asked if he would ever leave the Camp Nou and said: "I don't know, life is long," but Jackson claimed City feel this is merely a tactic for the Brazilian to secure a new contract in Catalonia.

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Leicester's Vardy has starred as one of the Premier League's in-form players this season and may be seen as a far more realistic target after netting 15 goals in 18 games for the Foxes on their rise to title contention.

Eurosport chronicled a breakthrough 2015 for the Englishman, capping his evolution from lower-league striker to first-tier hitman:

City manager Manuel Pellegrini may have his chance to get a firsthand look at the England international when his side travel to the King Power Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The Independent's Jack Pitt-Brooke recently quoted Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who believes Vardy is worth a sum of £30 million, citing Anthony Martial's £36 million move to Manchester United as a guideline:

"

Yes he is worth £30m, because he is the best goal-scorer in the league. You have many players under him who have been paid much more, and who don’t score that number of goals. Without a doubt, he is worth that money today.

The mystery behind Vardy, at 28 years old, is why nobody bought him before. And why did he not have that success before? But today, of course, nobody would dispute [his worth].

"

Of course, despite Vardy's rapid rise through the English top flight, those at the Etihad Stadium would assuredly prefer to see Neymar arrive, even if the Brazil superstar is an untested asset in the Premier League.

However, the financial details of any deal for Neymar would be astronomically higher than that of the Leicester man. Sergi Font of Spanish daily Marca reported on Monday that Barca are set to hand their forward a new contract worth £425,000 per week.

By contrast, Vardy currently earns £40,000 a week, and the club are doing what they can to agree a new contract worth twice that wage, according to the Daily Mirror's John Cross.

City will be forced to look elsewhere should they look to add to their strike force next month following claims two of Europe's hottest talents won't be arriving at the Etihad.