Zenit Saint Petersburg are preparing an approach for Manuel Pellegrini according to reports.

The Russian club are on the hunt for a new manager after Andre Villas-Boas, who led them to the title last season, announced he will be leaving at the end of the current campaign.

It is believed that Zenit officials are keen on Manchester City's Pellegrini and will go after him prior to the summer when Pep Guardiola is expected to replace the Chilean at the Etihad Stadium.

Pellegrini, 62, is keen on another club job before he retires and could be lured to ambitious Zenit if he leaves City at the end of the season.