By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer 
Hargreaves managed just four appearances in three seasons
Wayne Rooney fears former team-mate Owen Hargreaves will find it difficult to get back to his best if he signs for Manchester City.
Hargreaves, 30, who was released by Manchester United this summer, had a medical at City on Tuesday.
After further talks, if stringent checks come back all clear, Hargreaves will sign an appearance-related deal.
"He worked really hard and got back last season, played one game and then got a hamstring injury," Rooney said.
"He's been out for a couple of years. I think it will be difficult for him to get back to his best. I hope he can do so.
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"From an England point of view he was a type of midfield player that we hadn't really had before.
"If he can get back that would be great but it will be difficult for him."
Hargreaves was released by Sir Alex Ferguson after four injury-blighted years at Old Trafford.
He had been linked with West Brom before emerging as a shock target for Man City coach Roberto Mancini.
City keeper Joe Hart was visibly stunned when the news of Hargreaves' possible arrival as a new team-mate was revealed to him during a media briefing while he was on England duty ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales.
He responded when told of the deal: "Pardon? Is he? Wowzers. Where's that come from? Really? I don't know what to make of that. That's been put right on my toes.
"It could be a massive signing. You can tell how important he was.
"I've never been involved with him but I saw a lot of him before and how highly he was regarded when he was at Bayern Munich and at Manchester United.
"He's a huge player and if he's fit and a part of Man City, he'll be another great signing."
Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott added: "Owen is an experienced player, he has played in the Champions League, is an international. It is only going to be good for the City squad if he signs.
"People ask if it represents a gamble but the club know what they are doing, Owen knows what he is doing. He is still a good player.
"If we can get him fit, I'm sure it won't be very long before he is back to his best. He will be a player with a point to prove after his injuries."
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Hargreaves was England's star performer at the World Cup in Germany in 2006. He joined Manchester United from Bayern Munich for £18m the following year.
Hargreaves played in the 2008 Champions League final victory over Chelsea in Moscow but then began to suffer with knee problems, restricting him to four appearances in three seasons.
He lasted just 10 minutes of his comeback against Wolves last September and United opted not to renew his contract as a result.
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