Manchester City are yet to close a deal for Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini, despite the sacking of Roberto Mancini.

The Daily Mail says City have yet to seal the finer points of a deal for Malaga's Chilean coach.

Pellegrini, 59, has verbally agreed to take over once City exercise a £3.3m release clause. But he is also being monitored by Barcelona amid concerns over the ability of Tito Vilanova, who has undergone treatment for cancer, to continue as coach at the Nou Camp.

Yesterday, City sporting director Txiki Begiristain was thought to be in Spain speaking again to Pellegrini's people.