Crisis over? City medical for Demichelis as Pellegrini eyes defensive cover in £4m move.

Manchester City’s search for a new centre-back could soon be over as Atletico Madrid defender Martin Demichelis had a medical at the club.

Manuel Pellegrini is set to be reunited with the £4million-rated Argentine defender, who he has previously managed at both River Plate and Malaga.

City’s move for Demichelis had been delayed while Atletico ensured they recruited a replacement, eventually signing Toby Alderweld from Ajax.

Scroll down for video… Pellegrini admits he wants defensive cover

City medical: Martin Demichelis (right) will provide much needed defensive cover for Manuel Pellegrin

Manuel Pellegrini: I hope to sign a defender before the deadline

Demichelis, 32, will be a welcome addition to a City squad that has been ravaged by defensive injuries in the early weeks of the season.

City will be without Vincent Kompany until the end of September, while Micah Richards will only return to full training during the international break.

Matija Nastasic returned to the team and partnered Joleon Lescott at the heart of City’s defence for the game against Hull, but the pair were far from convincing, despite a 2-0 win.

City did consider a move for Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala but were deterred by the £30million asking price.

It is anticipated that Demichelis will be the only City addition in the final days of the transfer window, joining Fernandinho, Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic as Pellegrini’s summer spending passes the £100million mark. 

Bargain? Demichelis (left) was signed on a free by Atletici Madrid and was seen as a cheaper alternative to £30m rated Porto defender Eliiaquim Mangala (right)

Crocked: Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany lies injured during the match against Newcastle United