Jose Mourinho: Real Madrid are not looking to sell in January

Jose Mourinho is desperate to keep his Real Madrid squad together amid reported interest from Arsenal and Chelsea in striker Gonzalo Higuain.

Mourinho’s side are three points ahead of rivals Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table – but the Portuguese manager is having to contend with speculation linking some of his players with moves away from the Bernabeu.

Kaka and Higuain are among the names that have been linked with moves away but Mourinho insists Real Madrid’s directors are aware of his desire to not to sell in January.

“I would like to finish the season with same players,” he said. “The players know it and the club’s directors also. But until 31 January, anything is possible.

“I have not asked for any new signings and I do not want anyone to leave. We have a number of players that add balance to the team in the three competitions.”

Real Madrid are still in three competitions and the 48-year-old coach is confident the Spanish giants’ squad depth will give them a vital edge in the second half of the season.

“Last year we finished second in league, we won the Copa del Rey, we have reached the last four of the Champions League. We feel we can do well in any competition because we did well last year,” he continued.

“The key idea is to rotate the squad and maintain a strong and balanced team.”