Manchester Metropolis are closing in on an settlement to nominate Hugo Viana as their subsequent director of soccer, a supply has advised ESPN.
Metropolis are on the lookout for a substitute for Txiki Begiristain, who has advised the membership he’ll step down on the finish of the season.
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Sporting Lisbon director of soccer Viana is the best choice to step into the function.
A supply has advised ESPN there’s hope that the brand new man will probably be put in in January and work alongside Begiristain for six months till the top of the present marketing campaign.
Viana frolicked at Sporting, Newcastle United and Valencia as a participant and gained 29 caps for Portugal between 2001 and 2012.
He was appointed as Sporting’s director of soccer in 2018 and helped the membership win the Portuguese title in 2021 and 2024 regardless of sturdy competitors from Benfica and FC Porto.
He is credited with bringing in Ruben Amorim as supervisor in 2020, who has additionally performed a key function in returning Sporting to the highest of Portuguese soccer.
Sources have advised ESPN that Metropolis additionally regarded intently at Girona sporting director Quique Carcel earlier than pursuing a deal for Viana.
Begiristain’s choice to depart the Etihad has thrown Pep Guardiola’s future into additional doubt.
The pair have labored intently at Metropolis and Guardiola will probably be out of contract on the finish of the season.
The 53-year-old has up to now dodged questions on whether or not he’ll signal one other contract extension.
Sources have advised ESPN that Metropolis need Guardiola to remain and would love a sign about his plans for the long run earlier than the brand new 12 months.
