Manchester City have reportedly identified their 'favourite candidate' to replace director of football Txiki Begiristain.
The Spaniard joined the Citizens in 2012 and has since been an integral architect of the club's rise to dominance in English football, particularly while working alongside manager Pep Guardiola.
However, reports emerged on Tuesday claiming that Begiristain will depart the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season, bringing his 13-year association with the club to an end.
Begiristain originally planned to step back from day-to-day operations at Man City when he turned 55, but he became so invested in the club's project and working alongside Guardiola that he extended his stay until his 60th birthday, which he celebrated in August.
It is understood that Begiristain's decision to leave has been made with full knowledge and endorsement of Man City's hierarchy, and he will continue with his duties at the club during a handover period for the first six months before a successor is appointed.
Man City are said to have already reached an agreement to appoint a new director of football, who could begin his role at the club in early 2025.
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Viana to replace Begiristain as Man City director of football?
One man who could arrive at the Etihad is Sporting Lisbon chief Hugo Viana, as journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that the Portuguese is Man City's 'favourite candidate' to become their new director of football.
The 41-year-old represented the likes of Sporting, Newcastle United and Valencia in his playing days, as well as earned 29 caps for Portugal, and he has since gained sizable recognition for his work behind the scenes at Sporting.
After just six months as director of football at Belenenses, Viana took up the same role at Sporting in 2018 and has since overseen a number of notable signings including Manuel Ugarte, Pedro Porro, Ousmane Diomande and Morten Hjulmand - the former two have since joined Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.
Viana also played a key role in recruiting Viktor Gyokeres from Coventry City in the summer of 2023, with the Sweden international having since established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in Europe, scoring 55 goals and providing 18 assists in 61 appearances across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Man City have also been credited with an interest in Quique Carcel, who is the director of football as sister club Girona.
However, Esports RAC1 claims that the 50-year-old has said 'no' to Man City having received a job offer, as he wants to continue leading the La Liga club's sporting project.
