Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis is understood to be weighing up a return to his former club River Plate at the end of the Premier League season.

The Argentine is in the final year of his contract at City and is expected to leave the Eithad Stadium at the end of the current campaign.

The Manchester Evening News is reporting that Demichelis is considering re-joining the Buenos Aires club where he started his professional career as a 17-year-old.

Reports had suggested Demichelis could be on the move during the January transfer window, but it is understood City boss Manuel Pellegrini values the 34-year-old's experience and wants to keep him at the club.

The former Bayern Munich and Malaga defender has fallen behind Eliaquim Mangala in City's central defensive pecking order this season and is expected to be given less and less opportunity following the arrival of compatriot Nicolas Otamendi in the summer.