By MARTIN BLACKBURN
MANCHESTER CITY are closing in on a double swoop on Malaga as they begin life after Roberto Mancini.
The Spanish club have confirmed their coach Manuel Pellegrini will be free to leave in the summer — paving the way for him to move to the Etihad.
But City are also making progress in their move for young midfield ace Isco — who has a £27million release clause in his contract at La Roseleda.
The 21-year-old — who made his international debut in February — is viewed as one of the best young attacking midfielders in Spain amd is also a target for Real Madrid.
He has played with Pellegrini at Malaga for the last two years and it now looks likely the pair will be reunited at City this summer.
Isco is believed to be keen on making the move but the Sky Blues are hoping they can drive down the price.
Ironically he was one of the players Mancini was keen on and he made a personal check on the midfielder earlier in the season.
Meanwhile, the wheels are also in motion to secure the 59-year-old Chilean coach Pellegrini, who still has two years left to run on his contract with the Champions League quarter finalists.
However, caretaker boss Brian Kidd is in charge for the final match of the season at Norwich on Sunday — and also for the post-season trip to New York.
Pellegrini would not be able to begin his duties with the deposed champions until June 2 as his current club’s final match is earlier that weekend.
Malaga have run into financial difficulties and accept there is no chance of keeping the Chilean for the long-term in light of City’s interest.
