Manuel Pellegrini has reached a verbal agreement to succeed Roberto Mancini as Manchester City manager, but the deal is not yet complete.
The 59-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium in recent weeks, following Mancini’s dismissal earlier this month.
And, in an interview with Spanish radio station Onda Cero on Wednesday, the Malaga boss revealed the move is gathering pace.
“I have a commitment to make Manchester City my priority,” said Pellegrini. “I have a verbal agreement with them and I hope it is carried out.”
Pellegrini guided Malaga to sixth in La Liga this season, as well as the Champions League quarter-finals, losing to eventual runners-up Borussia Dortmund.
He previously enjoyed productive spells at Villareal and Real Madrid, where Jose Mourinho replaced him after just one season, despite a club record points total in the league.
However, Pellegrini revealed earlier this month he will leave the Qatar-owned club, making him odds-on favourite to join City.
“I am motivated a great deal by a project as exciting as the one at Malaga,” he added.
“To be able to build up a club, this is as important as going to an institution where you will be able to win titles.
“Until things have been signed, you cannot say everything is completely done.”
The appointment of Pellegrini also provides a boost to City’s hopes of landing Malaga’s playmaker, Isco.
The 21-year-old is a target for many of Europe’s top clubs, but he revealed this week his wish to continue to play under the Chilean father figure.
Sevilla winger Jesus Navas and Napoli’s Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani are also believed to be transfer targets for City.
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