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Michu could make a shock return to Swansea City as early as the New Year, according to reports in Italy.

Michu joined Napoli in July on a season-long loan deal after the Spaniard made it clear he wanted to quit the Liberty.

And with Swans boss Garry Monk keen on re-shaping his squad with the signings of the likes of Bafetimbi Gomis and Gylfi Sigurdsson, Michu was told he could go.

Swansea were keen to cash-in on the 28-year-old who became a Premier League sensation after his £2m signing from Rayo Vallecano in 2012.

But after lengthy negotiations they settled on a loan deal with Napoli with the hope a permanent deal could follow this summer.

But Michu has flopped in Serie A so far, managing just three starts and five appearances – and failing to complete 90 minutes let alone score for Rafa Benitez’s side.

Now a recurrence of the ankle problem that plagued his latter days at Swansea has seen Michu confirmed as injured for the next two weeks .

And it has prompted some Italian outlets to suggest Napoli will eye a replacement in January and attempt to send Michu back to South Wales.

Pictures: Michu by numbers

More:Michu... Swans legend or one season wonder?

However, it is not clear whether the terms of the loan deal will allow his return given season-long agreements do not tend to allow for recalls.

With 18-months remaining on his Swans contract, Michu could still provide an attacking option for Monk if he can shake of his personal issues that prompted him wanting a move away from Swansea.

Yet if they want to offload him, Swansea could now have trouble collecting a fee for Michu – once rated a £25m player.

The ankle injury cost Michu a chance of a start in the Europa League against Swiss side Young Boys, although former Swans loan star Jonathan de Guzman did play after his summer move to the San Paolo, scoring a hat-trick in the process.