Kolo Toure has been told that he will not be allowed to leave Manchester City in January.

Mancini confirmed that the controversial star will remain at City until at least the summer.

"Kolo is part of our plans for the year, he is a good player and a good guy," Mancini said.

"He cannot go, because we have injuries and we need his experience.

"If, in the summer, he says, 'Boss, I want to leave because I want to play', I will respect him as a man and we will talk."

The Ivorian recently sparked controversy when he criticised his club's alleged views on players wanting to leave for the African Cup of Nations, but Mancini insists that the incident was a misunderstanding.

"I spoke with Kolo and he told me he didn't say anything like this, so we have no problem. It is finished, because he is a good man and I believe him," Mancini said.

"Before training he said, 'Boss, sorry. It will say I said this, but I didn't,' so it is okay."

Manchester City currently enjoy a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.