Report: Rosario Central eying City defender Martin Demichelis

Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis could return to his homeland in a January move to Rosario Central, according to Peter O'Rourke of ESPN FC.

The Argentinian has fallen down the pecking order with the Etihad Stadium outfit, with captain Vincent Kompany, the improved Eliaquim Mangala, and £34-million man Nicolas Otamendi the preferred centre-halves for the club.

Demichelis has spent 12 years in Europe with Bayern Munich, Malaga, and City, but could pack his bags for South America after just one Premier League start this season.

Rosario coach Eduardo Coudet has been a longtime admirer of the 34-year-old, and played with Demichelis at River Plate at the turn of the century.

With the departure of Alejandro Donatti seemingly imminent, Demichelis is a ready-made and experienced replacement for the Copa Libertadores campaign that begins in February.