Didi Hamann says he is determined to battle a £600,000 gambling debt and insisted he would escape the threat of being taken to court.

The former Newcastle and Liverpool midfielder, a free agent after his Manchester City contract ran out, is facing legal action after spread betting firm Sporting Index served papers to the High Court over arrears accumulated over the past three years, says the Daily Mail.

Both parties are negotiating a compromise and the former Germany star said: "We will find a solution. There won't be any court hearing."

The 35-year-old is reported to have racked up debts of £706,000 by December, before repaying £100,000.

When he missed a January 3 deadline for clearing the debt, Sporting Index decided to take action.

There is no suggestion Hamann gambled on football matches he might have influenced.