Man City's Ait-Nouri January plan revealed after Man United approach

Enzo Maresca is planning to keep Rayan Ait-Nouri at Man City in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

Ait-Nouri has a part to play under the Italian this season as the only recognised left-back in the Man City squad.

He was the subject of a surprise approach from rivals Man United on Deadline Day last week, as they looked to complete a late loan deal.

City blocked his exit and he provided an assist for Erling Haaland off the bench in his first appearance of the season against Porto on Tuesday.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, City also have no plans to let him leave in January regardless of how much game time he receives in the coming months.

Ait-Nouri will be handed more opportunities by Maresca and is content with his current standing in the City squad.

Rayan Ait-Nouri to stay at Man City past January

The Algerian international registered five assists in 31 appearances for City last term following his arrival from Wolves.

He remains keen to fight for his place and will have plenty of chances to feature as City look to win four different competitions.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "This is a big year ahead for Ait-Nouri. Obviously he's not been getting as many minutes as he would have hoped, but you've got to expect that at a huge club like Manchester City, there is going to be huge competition for places in the side.

"He did come off the bench against Porto in midweek and get an assist, so he will be hoping that helps him secure regular game time in Enzo Maresca's team.

"They've got so many options, Manchester City, but so many games and so many competitions coming up. They know he will be needed, so I don't expect there'll be any immediate plans to move him on."

Man City shortlist Alex Baena for future windows

City bolstered Maresca's attacking ranks with the signings of Iliman Ndiaye and Allan Elias in the summer, but still could add to his forward line in the coming windows.

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that the Citizens admire Atletico Madrid star Baena and will consider looking to sign him next year.

Atleti are likely to stand firm against him leaving in January, but could be more open to a sale next summer.