Manuel Pellegrini, the Malaga manager, has denied having an agreement in place to become the next manager of Manchester City.
It has been reported that the Chilean has been lined up to succeed current City manager Roberto Mancini, whose position at the Etihad Stadium has come under the spotlight following a hugely disappointing season.
According to reports, Mancini, whose team lost the FA Cup final to Wigan Athletic at the weekend, could even be dismissed before the Blues take on Reading on Tuesday night.
However, Pellegrini insists he has no deal in place with any club for next season and is currently focused only on trying to help Malaga secure a Europa League place.
"I deny here and now being the new coach of Manchester City, I haven't signed any agreement with anybody," Pellegrini told reporters following Malaga's goalless Primera Liga draw with Sevilla in quotes reported on his club's official website.
"I've been fortunate enough, and very proud, that every year the big clubs have shown an interest in me.
"I have an agreement with Malaga not to talk to anyone and nothing has been agreed with any other club.
"I hope in the coming weeks that things will become a little clearer what is going to be the future here at this club."
Malaga have struggled with form since their heartbreaking Uefa Champions League quarter-final defeat by Borussia Dortmund, winning two of six Primera Liga matches while losing three.
Despite that, Malaga are still sixth in the league standings and will be hoping to stay there over the final two games of the season.
Even if they do finish in sixth though they may not be playing in continental competition next season with a one-year ban from European football hanging over them. UEFA handed out the punishment in December due to the Spanish club's outstanding debts, but the club are hoping for a reprieve.
The former Real Madrid and Villarreal manager added of speculation about his future: "There are a lot of rumours.
"The coaching team and players are focused on qualifying the team for Europe. Overcoming the trauma of being knocked out of the Champions League wasn't easy, but we're still hoping to qualify for the Europa League."
Follow us
[ @SprtNationalUAE ]
