MAN FOR MAN? … Manuel Pellegrini is being linked with replacing Roberto Mancini
By MARTIN BLACKBURN
ROBERTO MANCINI’S FA Cup plans were overshadowed by fresh doubts over his future last night.
Unsubstantiated reports in Spain suggested Manchester City have agreed a deal with Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini to take over next season.
Bookmakers slashed the odds to 10-1 ON after a rush of bets on the Chilean manager, 59.
Only last week Mancini admitted he has not received any assurances over his future — but insisted he did not need one as his relationship with chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak remained strong.
However, new chief exec Ferran Soriano and director of football Txiki Begiristain are exploring all options.
Pellegrini has spent the last nine years at Villarreal and Real Madrid before taking Malaga into the Champions League this season.
