Malaga have informed coach Manuel Pellegrini he's free to leave.

The Mirror says Pellegrini will leap into the Manchester City hotseat left empty by the sacking of Roberto Mancini - but the Chilean gaffer has consistently rebuffed the idea that the move is a done deal.

In part that is likely to be out of respect for his current employers, Malaga, and the convention that he should not discuss his next appointment while he is still engaged in La Liga season.

But the club reportedly confirmed today that once the season is over Pellegrini WILL be set free to take on a new job.