Sassuolo director Giovanni Carnevali has affirmed that the Serie A outfit are not prepared to let Manchester City-linked midfielder Manuel Locatelli leave this month.

The 23-year-old has reportedly emerged as a priority target for Pep Guardiola's men following his impressive performances in the 2020-21 season, contributing two goals and one assist from 16 appearances.

Fellow top-flight Italian sides Juventus and AC Milan have also been tipped to move for the Sassuolo man, but Carnevali has insisted that the club will not entertain offers for such a crucial player in January.

Speaking to RAI Sport, Carnevali said: "Seeing Sassuolo players in the headlines is a positive thing, as it means our team and players have been doing well to attract attention.

"We have many players who are of interest to many, including Locatelli, but any issue will be only discussed in January. When it comes to important players like Locatelli, we won't even take into consideration any proposal that would involve him leaving mid-season."

Locatelli, who primarily operates as a defensive midfielder, is contracted to the high-flying Neroverdi until the end of the 2022-23 campaign.