Celta Vigo say Benni McCarthy will not be moving to Manchester City on loan unless they guarantee to complete a permanent transfer in the summer.
The player's representatives are currently in negotiations over a move, although Celta deny having spoken directly to City.
Celta sporting director Felix Carnero said: "The player's agent (Rob Moore) and an English agent are in talks with us, but we are not negotiating directly with Manchester City.
"It is unlikely that we would loan Benni out without a guaranteed sale at the end of it."