Aston Villa are believed to have turned down the chance to take former midfielder Gareth Barry back on loan.
The 32-year-old, who left Villa Park for the Etihad in a £12m deal in 2009, has one year left on his current deal and is not thought to feature in the plans of new manager Manuel Pellegrini.
A number of clubs - including North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal - have been linked with the England international, who has expressed his disappointment at not being offered a new contract.
According to talkSPORT, the City have been in contact the Villans about the possibility of taking him on loan for a season, but that offer has been rejected by Paul Lambert.
Barry started 27 league games under Roberto Mancini last season.