Shock exit mooted for City ace

Martin Demichelis could be on his way out of Manchester City in January to join Argentine side Rosario Central, according to reports.

The 34-year-old central defender was snapped up by City boss Manuel Pellegrini on a two-year deal from Atletico Madrid in summer 2013, with the move coming only two months after he had moved to the Vicente Calderon from their Spanish La Liga rivals Malaga.

Demichelis endured an uncertain start to life in England, but managed to establish himself as a key man in the squad with 31 Premier League appearances last term.

But the arrival of fellow Argentinian Nicolas Otamendi from Valencia in the summer has now left Demichelis down in fourth spot in the pecking order, as skipper Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala are also ahead of him.

He has made just one start in the Premier League so far this term, while his other starts have come in the Capital One Cup and the Champions League.

And with just six months remaining on his deal, it is being reported that City could offload Demichelis in January, with Rosario coach Eduardo Coudet keen to take him back to his homeland.

Coudet played alongside Demichelis at River Plate and is a big fan of the defender, while he is also looking for a quality replacement to cover the void set to be created by Alejandro Donatti's expected departure in the new year.

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.