Manuel Pellegrini remained the odds-on favourite on Tuesday to become the new manager of Manchester City after Roberto Mancini was sacked a year to the day since he brought the Premier League trophy to Eastlands.
Malaga boss Pellegrini has been a reported long-term target for City, having previously won plaudits for his work at two other Spanish clubs in Real Madrid and Villarreal.
There was speculation, too, that if Pellegrini did not arrive at Eastlands, City might bring interim Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez on board.
The former Liverpool manager, who will lead the Blues in their Europa League final against Benfica in Amsterdam on Wednesday, is set to leave Chelsea at the end of this season. Tuesday's edition of The Times said Mancini would be a man in demand, with French club Monaco leading the chase for the Italian's services, and Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli and several Russian clubs also said to be interested in him.
City's shock FA Cup Final defeat by Wigan omeant they ended this season without any title.
{{/usCountry}}City's shock FA Cup Final defeat by Wigan omeant they ended this season without any title.
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