Sakho staying with PSG

Disgruntled defender Mamadou Sakho has been told he is "not in a position to ask to leave" Paris Saint-Germain while Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out Wesley Sneijder arriving at the Parc des Princes.

Since being sent off at Montpellier on 11 November, Sakho, 22, has yet to feature in Ligue 1 for the club from the French capital with Alex forming an effective tandem alongside Thiago Silva in the French international's stead.

Despite Ancelotti stating "Sakho will no doubt be used" against Evian last weekend, the PSG youth academy product remained rooted to the substitutes' bench throughout, a situation which led to the player musing on TV channel Canal+ that "sometimes you don't always understand the coach's choices, but you have to respect them".

Even an outing at Valenciennes on Tuesday evening – likely in place of Alex – would be seen as Ancelotti resting the Brazilian for Sunday's home game with Lyon rather than showing his faith in Sakho. The PSG coach, however, insists the muscular young centre-back does have a place at the Parc des Princes.

"Sakho is not in a position to ask to leave. He's staying here, because he's an important player for us. He doesn't 100% understand the coach's decisions, but that's normal," explained the Italian. "The most important thing is that Sakho trains well and is in good shape. He's made great strides forward compared to last season. He's back in the France team and has played a lot of matches, that's what you have to bear in mind."

While Sakho's future seemingly lies in the capital, Wesley Sneijder's does not, according to Ancelotti. Feverish media speculation has linked the Dutchman to an imminent move to PSG, but Ancelotti is adamant the club's only winter transfer window arrival will be Brazilian Lucas Moura.

"We haven't talked about [the transfer window], because we've already talked it through. It's finished, and all the things I've been reading aren't true. [Sneijder] can play at any club in the world, but that doesn't mean he's coming to Paris. We haven't talked to him. It's the same thing for [Daniele] Rossi. On the other hand, some players could leave if they ask to," he said, before leaving the door open a crack.

"Plans are made to be changed. Today, the plan is: our transfer window is finished. If a new player comes in, it'll mean the plan has changed."

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Source: ESPN