Manchester United winger Nani will not be sold in the January transfer window, manager Alex Ferguson said yesterday in dismissing media reports that the Portuguese international could leave Old Trafford.

Nani, sidelined by injury since the Champions League tie with Braga on Nov. 7, has yet to sign a new deal after talks stalled in the close season.

“Obviously his people have been negotiating with (chief executive) David Gill about a new contract but I don’t know what stage we are at with that. But we won’t be letting him go,” Ferguson told reporters.

“He’s injured. His contract’s not up for a year and a half.”

Ferguson said he still regarded 26-year-old Nani as an important part of his squad.

“We need Nani. He offers something different from the other players. He’s an incredible talent, the boy’s a great talent. Unfortunately, he’s injured at the moment so we sent him over to Dubai for a break and hoping a bit of warmth will help him in his recovery.

“He’s not far away but he’s far enough away. I don’t think I’ll get him back until probably the middle of January. It’s a hamstring injury he’s got.”