Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini denies he's pushing his England defenders out of the Etihad.
Pellegrini played down growing fears that Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott could be on their way at the end of the season after becoming frustrated with a lack of opportunities in the starting line-up.
"They are both an important part of what we have done so far this season, and they both have an important part to play in the future," he said.
"I can't answer anything about whether Richards will sign another contract. Now is not the time to discuss that."
