Hamann won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005

The 34-year-old German midfielder has been a major part of the club's challenge for a European place.

He was lauded for his display in the recent 2-1 win at Manchester United, which left City only three points off the fourth Champions League spot.

City signed Hamann on a free transfer after he left Liverpool in July 2006.

He had initially moved to England's top flight when he was signed by Newcastle from Bayern Munich in 1998 and spent a season at St James' Park before switching to Anfield.

606: DEBATE How good has Hamann been this season?

He helped Liverpool to their 2005 Champions League triumph - coming on as a second-half substitute as the Reds came back from 3-0 down to eventually beat AC Milan on penalties.

Hamann was at Liverpool for seven years and made 283 appearances for the club, scoring 11 goals.

He agreed to a switch to Bolton before changing his mind and moved to City, who paid the Reebok Stadium outfit compensation, in July 2006.

His first season under Stuart Pearce was interrupted by injury but he has prospered since Sven-Goran Eriksson took over as City manager in July 2007.

Hamann has made 28 outings during the present campaign compared to 19 last season.