Real Madrid Transfer News: Sergio Aguero Dismisses Los Blancos Talk, Top Rumours

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has rejected speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid and revealed he plans to return to boyhood club Independiente when his time with the Sky Blues is up.

Aguero told ESPN Radio in his native Argentina (h/t ESPN FC's Jonathan Smith) he is happy at the Etihad Stadium and with manager Pep Guardiola:

"

A while back there was a Real Madrid rumour but the truth is that I am very happy at City, especially with the arrival of Pep. He is helping me to grow as a player and we talk a lot.

I am very happy. When the coach is helping you it calms you down and give you more confidence.

I have no idea what the rumours are. But I am happy at City and I hope to finish out my contract there and then return to Independiente.

I have never had any issues with Pep. We spoke a lot. But he has never had a problem with me nor I with him.

He always gives me advice. I am happy because he wants to help me be a better football player and that makes me feel good.

"

Speculation over the 28-year-old's future was renewed in October, when Guardiola left Aguero out of the starting lineup for City's trip to Barcelona—a decision many found perplexing, including former City striker Rodney Marsh:

Aguero has got off to a strong start this season under the former Barca and Bayern Munich boss, though, netting 14 goals thus far.

Guardiola has also had the striker working harder and covering more ground than he had previously, per the Times' Alex Kay-Jelski:

Per OptaJoe, Aguero reached the impressive milestone of 100 goals for City in all competitions in April last year. On Saturday, little more than 18 months on, he bagged another landmark strike:

The Argentinian also netted over 100 goals for Real's local rivals, Atletico Madrid, prior to joining the Citizens, so he's a proven goalscorer in La Liga to boot.

ESPN's Marc Stein highlighted the forward as one of City's key players:

At the Santiago Bernabeu, with the likes of Luka Modric and James Rodriguez supplying him with ammunition and alongside Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo in the front three, he would be similarly important.

He would also likely be as prolific in front of goal, if not more so, given the way Madrid tend to dominate teams and frequently rack up hefty scores—his electric pace, impeccable footwork and predatory finishing skills would see to that.

While Aguero would be a perfect fit for Los Blancos' Galactico ethos, Real have little need for him after extending Bale and Ronaldo's deals.

Even if Karim Benzema—who has not been at his best this season—were to leave, Madrid already have Alvaro Morata waiting in the wings, not to mention the likes of Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez who can also play in the front three.

Aguero will only be 31 by the time his deal at the Etihad ends, so he may consider that too early for a return to Argentina.

Nevertheless, if Real still want to bring in another marquee forward—though they could not register the players for action until January 2018 because of a transfer ban—it looks as though they'll need to look elsewhere.