Last Updated: Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:04
Manchester City are reportedly considering Valencia boss Ernesto Valverde as a summer replacement for Roberto Mancini.
Mancini's future at the Etihad Stadium is uncertain after a failure to make progress in the Champions League and what looks increasingly like a failure to retain their Premier League title.
New City chief executive Ferran Soriano and director of football Txiki Begiristain are rumoured to be scouring Europe for a potential replacement, though a number of names have already been scratched off the list.
Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola have both reportedly turned down their advances, with the latter now set to take charge of Bayern Munich in the summer.
Another rumoured target, Jurgen Klopp, is reluctant to leave Borussia Dortmund while Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is also expected to look elsewhere should he quit the Bernabeu.
Therefore the Premier league champions have turned their attentions to Valverde who is believed to be near the top of their list.
The former Barcelona striker led minnows Espanyol to a UEFA Cup final in 2007 and won the Greek title three times with Olympiakos.
The 49-year-old arrived at the Mestalla in December and has guided them to seventh spot and contention for a European place.
His short-term contract expires at the end of the season and there have been no discussions yet over a new one, meaning he would be free to make the move to City should a formal offer be made.
Have you an opinion on this story? Put your money where your mouth is and claim a free £25 bet.
