Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka insists they're not pushing Esteban Granero out of the Bernabeu.

Granero is being linked with Arsenal and Malaga ahead of the January market.

But Karanka, following victory over Villarreal, said: "Last season he played often, but then was injured in the preseason, making it hard for any player to return to the dynamics of the team.

"In any case, he is an exceptional player, important."