Left-back Wayne Bridge will this summer return to the Etihad Stadium having completed his loan spell at Sunderland.
The 31 year-old former England international has been restricted to just three starts for Sunderland since arriving on loan in January with a further four substitute appearances.
However, the former Southampton, Chelsea, Fulham and West Ham full-back will be allowed to return to the north west this summer after failing to impress at the Stadium of Light.
Bridge’s departure will leave the Black Cats without a genuine left back, with Phil Bardsley and Kieran Richardson filling in for the past couple of seasons.
Martin O’Neill is expected to strengthen in that position this summer.