Football
Richard Jolly, ESPN.com writer 9y

Manchester City's Pellegrini would consider Napoli move, says agent

Manuel Pellegrini's agent has said he would consider a move to Napoli if he leaves Manchester City.

The Chilean's position at the Etihad Stadium is expected to come under scrutiny if City do not either retain their Premier League title or reach the latter stages of the Champions League.

And he has been linked with Napoli whose manager, Rafa Benitez, is out of contract in the summer.

Pellegrini's deal with City expires in 2016 and his representative said he would prefer to remain at the club -- but admitted he is unsure if the club's powerbrokers want to keep the 61-year-old.

"Manuel has another year on his contract, and he intends to respect it," Jesus Martinez told Radio Crc. "I don't know, however, what the leadership's intentions are."

Pellegrini has never worked in Italy but Martinez suggested the former Real Madrid, Malaga and Villarreal manager might relish the chance to go to Napoli.

"Pellegrini has Italian roots, he's also been on holiday in Naples," he added. "He's a lover of language and culture. He greatly appreciates Italy and Neapolitan culture.

"You never know in football. Could he replace Benitez? Pellegrini does not allow me to talk about him in relation to a position at a club which already has a coach under contract.

"We have to wait a few more months, then if [Napoli President Aurelio] De Laurentiis calls, we'll discuss it."

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