Maicon: Started just four league games last season

The Brazil international right-back was brought in from Inter last summer by Roberto Mancini but started just four times in the Premier League.

New City boss Manuel Pellegrini did not select the 31-year-old for the tour of South Africa and, speaking after defeat to Supersport United in Pretoria, the Chilean confirmed his time at City is up.

He told the club website: "Maicon didn't come here to the pre-season and he will not be in the squad at Manchester City this year."

Pellegrini is in the market for further new signings having already welcomed Fernandinho and Jesus Navas to the club.

Top of his list is a striker to replace Carlos Tevez, and a new arrival is expected before the end of July.

"It's difficult to say exactly which day but before the end of the month we will have a new attacker," he said.