Villarreal are reluctant to allow Rio Mavuba to leave in January.

Mavuba has declared he wants out of Villarreal after failing to secure regular first team football since arriving in the summer from Bordeaux.

"This situation cannot go on," said the midfielder. "I don't believe staying would be the right option."

But Villarreal management want to hang onto the player as they seek success in the UEFA Cup and Copa del Rey this season, along with maintaining their push for Champions League qualification.