Bundesliga side Hamburg SV are ready to offer their former midfielder and current Manchester City player Nigel De Jong a January escape route.

De Jong has failed to make the same sort of impact this season as he did last season for Manchester City and there are concerns within the city that he is looking for a move away to improve his chances of European Championship football next summer. De Jong originally moved from HSV in 2009 for a fee reported to be £18m and although the Bundesliga side will not be able to pay anything close to that, they will entertain the idea of taking the Dutchman on loan in January with a view to a permanent move.

The 27 year old has had tough competition for places within the side, especially when one considers the form of Yaya Toure and despite picking up close to 100 appearances for the side, and over fifty international caps, Manchester City may decide that they can afford to let him go if they can find a suitable replacement.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini had complained at the beginning of the season that he was lacking in midfielders and although the Italian tactician would probably prefer to keep him on during the remainder of the season, he could be tempted to allow De Jong the loan option and seek someone younger for the second half as they look to win the Premiership.