Manuel Pellegrini appears to be a step closer to taking the reins at Manchester City, after current club Malaga reportedly made the Chilean manager available.
The 59-year-old is odds-on favourite to replace Roberto Mancini at the Etihad Stadium, after the Italian was sacked on Monday evening.
And reports in Spain suggested on Wednesday that Malaga’s owners have waived the manager’s €4million release clause, leaving City free to approach him.
The Chilean’s agent, Jesus Martinez, told Andalucian paper Diario del Sur a deal is in place for Pellegrini, who has two years left on his contract, to leave on June 30.
The paper wrote: “Manuel Pellegrini will leave Malaga, barring a miracle being produced.”
However, the reports contrast with an official club statement released by Malaga on Tuesday, in which Pellegrini distanced himself from the City job.
“I categorically deny that I am the new Manchester City coach,” he said.
“I have an agreement with Malaga not to talk to anyone and nothing has been agreed with any other outfit.
“Nothing has been signed and no agreement reached. I’ve been fortunate enough, and very proud, that every year the big clubs are interested in me.
“I hope the future of this club will become somewhat clearer in the next few days.”
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has also been touted as a potential replacement for Mancini, who failed to claim any silverware this season.
In a statement released on Monday evening, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak thanked the Italian for the success he brought to the club, but revealed he was relieved of his duties.
Image courtesy of TheGuardian, via YouTube, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
