Manuel Pellegrini has reportedly been offered the role as Zenit Saint Petersburg manager, with Andre Villas-Boas set to leave the club this summer.
On 1st February, Pellegrini announced he would leave Manchester at the end of the season with Pep Guardiola set to take his job at the Etihad.
According to the Daily Mail, the City boss has already attracted the attention of Zenit, who have made contact with his representatives.
The source suggests a £3.09 million-per-year contract has been proposed for his services.
However, the report claims Pellegrini may choose to stay in the Premier League, with Newcastle United a possible destination, should they avoid the drop.
Zenit are currently managed by ex-Tottenham Hotspur boss Villas-Boas, who won the Russian Premier League in his first two seasons at the club, but they are currently sixth, seven points off top spot after 18 games.
Despite his impending departure from City, Pellegrini is one of the game’s best current managers and many of Europe’s elite clubs may be interested in acquiring a man of his experience.
As well as Zenit, the Mail suggests that Valencia could be another possible destination for the Chilean.
Pellegrini joined City in 2013 and has won two League Cups and the Premier League title, and remains a popular figure at the club, despite their stuttering league campaign this year.
His side are currently fourth in the table, 10 points behind leaders Leicester City.
The Citizens hold a 3-1 lead in their Champions League Round of 16 tie against Dynamo Kiev though, making them favourites to reach the quarter- finals, with the second leg to come at home.
Pellegrini will look to end a run of three straight Premier League defeats on Saturday when City take on bottom side Aston Villa.
In their most recent game, City lost 3-0 away to Liverpool – a game in which the visitors created a mere four chances. City also completed just 77% of their passes against the Reds – down on their season average of 84%.
COMMENTS