Australia politics live: NSW to lower road toll cap and Queensland to promise infrastructure in today’s state budgets
NSW reduces road toll cap to $50 for one year, saving drivers money
The Guardian World1 min read
Man City close in on appointing Maresca as manager
TL;DR
Manchester City is nearing the appointment of Enzo Maresca as manager on a three-year deal after agreeing on compensation with Chelsea. This follows Pep Guardiola's announcement of his departure after ten years in charge.
Key points
- Manchester City is close to appointing Enzo Maresca as manager
- Maresca's deal is for three years
- Compensation agreed with Chelsea exceeds £10 million
- Maresca was under contract with Chelsea until 2029
- Guardiola announced his departure after ten years
Mentioned in this story
Manchester CityChelseaEnzo MarescaPep Guardiola
Manchester City are closing in on the appointment of former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca as manager on a three-year deal after reaching an agreement on compensation with their Premier League rivals.
One month on since Pep Guardiola's announcement that he will leave City after a decade in charge, sources have told BBC Sport a deal to appoint the 46-year-old Maresca is close to being finalised.
BBC Sport reported on 8 June that City and Chelsea had been in negotiations about a compensation package now understood to be well in excess of £10m.
Chelsea feel they are due compensation under the terms of Maresca's departure as the Italian was contracted to the club until 2029 before he left in January and the Blues had been exploring their legal options.
Maresca was quickly identified by City as the only candidate and the man with the unenviable task of being Guardiola's replacement.
City declined to comment when contacted by BBC Sport.
City still offer 'compelling sales pitch'
City players who are not involved in World Cup action are expected to return for pre-season in mid-July.
But without Maresca being in place, any player potentially considering their future at the club has remained in limbo as they are yet to meet the new boss for talks.
Transfer business has continued in the background though and City have already had two bids rejected for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. They are expected to make another offer.
The chase for the England international will seemingly be done with Maresca's blessing as the club look to replace departing captain Bernardo Silva.
City Xtra, external website's Freddie Pye told BBC Sport: "Given the absence of any pre-season training until next month, and even those activities being restricted to non-World Cup players, perhaps Maresca and City have not lost out on anything via a delayed announcement, with the Italian likely to be in close contact over planning for the new season.
"City have a compelling and desirable sales pitch to offer players these days, irrespective of the head coach - though not overlooking the allure of Guardiola. This is a winning project for players, a clear opportunity to win immediate silverware, unrivalled facilities and perhaps joining the start of an exciting new era.
Q&A
What is the compensation amount for Enzo Maresca's appointment?
The compensation package for Enzo Maresca's appointment is understood to be well in excess of £10 million.
Why did Chelsea seek compensation for Enzo Maresca?
Chelsea sought compensation because Maresca was under contract until 2029 when he left in January, and they believed they were owed compensation under the terms of his departure.
Who is replacing Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager?
Enzo Maresca is set to replace Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager.
