• Reports in Spain claim Real have sights on Argentinian striker • Agüero says he will fulfil his current contract until 2019

Manchester City are confident Sergio Agüero views his long-term future at the club and are ready to reject any offer from Real Madrid for the striker.

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The 27-year-old is a target for the European champions and reports in Spain claim Real will firm up their interest in the close season. However, City will not countenance the centre-forward leaving because he is viewed as a key part of the club’s future.

Despite a season without a trophy Agüero, who signed a new contract last summer that ends in 2019, remains happy at City. Manuel Pellegrini, who appears certain to remain as the club’s manager, is intent on leading City back to the top after a disappointing defence of their Premier League title. The Chilean views Agüero as vital to this aim and has also been integral to the striker raising his game during his two years in charge at City.

Agüero ended last season as the Premier League’s top scorer with 26 goals, five more than second-placed Harry Kane. This came despite the Argentinian missing a month of football from 6 December until 10 January because of a knee injury. The manager worked closely with Agüero to help improve his fitness and conditioning during the season.

Although Agüero suffered the knee problem, the muscle tears and strains that had previously plagued his career at City since joining from Atlético in July 2011 have seemingly been eradicated. The forward put this down to seeing a specialist in Italy whose recommendation was to cut pasta, sugar and meat from his diet. Agüero did so and felt the benefits immediately. As well as the muscle injuries clearing up, training became less arduous. He no longer had to stop after three sessions to recover and the requirement to have treatment afterwards eased.

Agüero is included in the Argentina squad for the 2015 Copa América that begins on 11 June in Chile. The player and City will hope his new found physical robustness will ensure he suffers no breakdown during the month-long tournament and that following a holiday he can continue to improve next year.

When agreeing the new five-year contract last August the centre-forward moved to address speculation that a return to Spanish football could occur.

“The reality seems to be that ever since I came here, during every close season, there have always been rumours suggesting that I might be returning to Spain,” he said. “There has always been this speculation but I certainly never pay much attention to it.

“People hear this stuff flying around and they take it seriously but I can tell the fans and everyone at City to relax. I’m going to be here until I see out my contract.”

Since arriving at City Agüero has won two Premier League titles and the League Cup. He also won the Europa League in 2010 with Atlético. The Champions League remains a firm ambition.