Football
Peter O'Rourke, Transfer correspondent 8y

Man City's Martin Demichelis may join Rosario Central in January - sources

Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis could be set for a return to Argentina with Rosario Central in January, sources have told ESPN FC.

Demichelis, 34, has fallen down the City pecking order following the arrival at the Etihad Stadium of fellow Argentine Nicolas Otamendi from Valencia in the summer.

Demichelis is currently fourth-choice centre-back in Manuel Pellegrini's plans, with Vincent Kompany, Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala all ahead of him in the battle for a spot in the City starting XI.

He has made just one start in the Premier League this season, with his three other starts coming in the Capital One Cup and the Champions League.

The experienced defender is entering the final six months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and could decide to return to his homeland after 12 years in Europe with Bayern Munich, Malaga and City, who signed him just two months after he had joined Atletico Madrid on a free transfer.

Rosario are in the market for a new defender with Alejandro Donatti expected to leave the club for a move to Europe in January.

Rosario coach Eduardo Coudet is a big admirer of Demichelis, having played alongside him while they were both together at River Plate, and hopes to persuade his former teammate to join the club in January ahead of the Copa Libertadores starting in February.

^ Back to Top ^