Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong has begun talks with Italian club Inter Milan over a proposed transfer before the start of the new season. The 27-year-old midfielder has been left out in the cold when manager Roberto Mancini, despite being a £ 18 million signing from Hamburg only a few seasons ago. The tough tackling midfielder has found it hard to get any first-team action due to the presence of Yaya Touré and Gareth Barry in front of him. In addition to this, he only has one year left on his current contract with the club.

As a result, instead of selling him on a free, Manchester city have decided to sell him. The Dutchman has begun talks with Inter Milan over a proposed move to Italy. It is thought that Manchester city will be willing to accept an offer of just £ 8 million for the midfielder, which means that they would have to forego £ 10 million on the transfer fee they paid for him back in 2009. Nigel de Jong will not be able to play in the Champions League next season if he moves to Inter Milan because the Italian club have missed out on the European football after finishing sixth in the league.

Inter Milan were the Champions of Europe only a few seasons ago, but after changing managers twice in the season, they could manage only a sixth place finish in the league. This coupled with a very aging squad means that they are looking to reduce the age of the squad by bringing in players like Nigel de Jong. The Dutchman has gone on a holiday after the elimination for Netherlands in the Euro 2012. Despite being one of the favourite teams, Netherlands lost all their three group games and finished bottom of their group.