Jerome Boateng out and Jan Vertonghen in at Manchester City?

Reports are circulating that Jerome Boateng could be on his way out of Manchester City and heading back to Germany to join Bundesliga superpowers Bayern Munich.

Boateng, 22, has struggled with injuries and has been in and out of the first-team during his first season in English football.

The German international of Ghanaian decent looked good at full-back when given the chance this term.

But he impressed most when playing alongside Vincent Kompany at centre-back. Although only a brief partnership, it looked as though it could flourish in the future.

City paid £10.4million for Boateng from SV Hamburger last summer, the deal was completed before he had an impressive World Cup with Germany.

Bayern are willing to pay £11millon for the versatile youngster, but City are said to be holding out for closer to £17.5million for Boateng.

In reality though. a deal could probably be reached for around £15million.

It is a shame for City, Boateng was signed as potential star for years to come. Coming from Hamburg it was hoped that he would follow in the foot-steps of Kompany and De Jong and become a mainstay of the Blues for years to come.

After never been given a real chance in Manchester, it looks like he will be heading home to FC Hollywood.

Bayern are on a recruitment drive and Boateng will follow Manuel Neuer and Rafinha in at the Allianz Arena.

If he does leave Eastlands, his replacement could be Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen.

The Belgian utility player has impressed this season for the Dutch champions and is one of the most important players for the national team.

Vertonghen, 24, has been touted to join the likes of Arsenal this season.

At one point it looked as though he was headed to the Emirates, the Gunners are still very keen on the Ajax man, but it maybe the case of Roberto Mancini moving first to get his man.

A teammate of Kompany in the Belgian national team, Vertonghen can play in a number of positions.

He has, like Kompany, excelled after being converted to a centre-back with Ajax. Vertonghen can also fill in at left-back and currently plays as a defensive midfielder for Belgium.

A number of scouts were there to watch him against Turkey on Friday evening, as they he and Kompany earned a 1-1 draw.

With the Premier League a priority next season and the Champions League also to be contested players of Vertonghen’s ilk could be invaluable.

Players like him and Pablo Zabeleta could become indispensible as they can play in a number of positions.

So it could be ‘auf wiedersehen’ Jerome and ‘goeiendag’ Jan.