MANCHESTER CITY CLOSE TO APPOINTING ENZO MARESCA AS MANAGER

Manchester City are nearing completion of an appointment of Enzo Maresca as manager on a three-year contract, following an agreement on compensation with Chelsea. The compensation package is understood to exceed £10m, according to sources who spoke to BBC Sport. Maresca, aged 46, departed Chelsea in January despite holding a contract with the club until 2029. City identified Maresca as their primary candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola, who announced his departure after a decade in charge.

Chelsea and City had been in negotiations over the compensation terms, with Chelsea exploring their legal options regarding Maresca's exit. The Italian previously worked as an assistant coach under Guardiola at City before taking the Chelsea position. A deal to finalise the appointment is understood to be close, though City declined to comment when approached by BBC Sport. Players not involved in World Cup action are expected to return for pre-season training in mid-July, though their futures have remained uncertain whilst awaiting confirmation of the new manager's appointment.

City have already made transfer moves ahead of the formal announcement, with two bids rejected for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson and a further offer expected. The club are seeking to replace departing captain Bernardo Silva. Sources suggest the delayed announcement has not significantly hampered preparations, with Maresca likely to have remained in close contact with City over planning for the forthcoming season.