Manchester City are closing in on the appointment of Enzo Maresca as their new manager, with talks over a proposed three-year contract expected to reach a conclusion within days.

While some reports suggested a deal was already sealed, sources indicate that several details remain under discussion — including the timeline of the appointment, the composition of Maresca's backroom staff, and other finer contractual points.

Familiar faces depart the Etihad

The transition at City is gathering pace. The club confirmed on Tuesday that five members of Pep Guardiola's coaching staff — Pep Ljinders, Kolo Toure, Lorenzo Buenaventura, Manel Estiarte, and Xabi Mancisidor — have all departed the Etihad Stadium.

Maresca is no stranger to the club. He served as Guardiola's assistant during the 2022/23 season, the campaign in which City claimed a historic treble. That relationship appears to have been the foundation for City's interest in the Italian as a long-term managerial successor.

Chelsea's legal interest

Maresca departed Chelsea in acrimonious circumstances in January, despite having three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea's lawyers are expected to monitor his next move closely, as the club may be entitled to compensation.

It has emerged that Maresca informed Chelsea last autumn that City had approached him about eventually succeeding Guardiola — a conversation that is likely to complicate the transition further.

Merson backs the appointment

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson expressed confidence that Maresca could thrive in the role.