Napoli coach Rafa Benitez is preparing for a Premier League return - at Manchester City.

The former Liverpool and Chelsea manager is set to replace underfire City boss Manuel Pellegrini.

The Daily Star Sunday says in an ironic managerial twist, Pellegrini is himself at the centre of speculation that he could walk into Benitez's job at Napoli when the Spaniard exits at the end of the season.

Pellegrini's position has been plunged into doubt after trailing Chelsea in the Premier League title race and facing a must-win Champions League clash at Barcelona this week.

Benitez now heads the Abu Dhabi shortlist if Pellegrini is axed with first choice Pep Guardiola unwilling to leave Bayern Munich for at least a year.