Manchester City are reportedly on the verge of appointing Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola's successor after agreeing a £17million compensation package with Chelsea.
The Italian coach has been City's preferred candidate since Guardiola brought the curtain down on his decade-long spell at the Etihad at the end of last season, but negotiations with Chelsea over his release clause have proved lengthy.
According to transfer specialist Gianluca Di Marzio, the two clubs have now reached a verbal agreement worth £17m, paving the way for Maresca to return to Manchester and take charge of the Premier League champions.
The report claims the 45-year-old is expected to travel to Manchester shortly before putting pen to paper on a three-year contract.
Maresca left Chelsea on New Year's Day after a breakdown in relations with the club's hierarchy despite having more than three years remaining on a lucrative deal.
Unlike many managerial departures, the former Leicester City boss was not dismissed and instead chose to resign, walking away from a contract worth around £4million per season.
His decision meant Chelsea avoided paying a sizeable severance package, with reports suggesting Maresca sacrificed approximately £14m in remaining wages when he stepped down.
Manchester City are reportedly on the verge of appointing Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola's successor after agreeing a £17million compensation package with Chelsea
|GETTY
Maresca had enjoyed success during his two-year spell at Stamford Bridge, guiding the Blues to UEFA Conference League glory before following it up with victory in the Club World Cup.
However, tensions behind the scenes are said to have escalated as the Italian grew increasingly frustrated with the level of involvement from senior figures in football matters.
He felt undermined by club executives and publicly hinted at his dissatisfaction in the weeks leading up to his departure.
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Pep Guardiola left Manchester City last month
| GETTYFollowing a 2-0 victory over Everton in December, Maresca admitted he had endured "the worst 48 hours" of his time in west London, fuelling speculation that his relationship with the board had deteriorated beyond repair.
It was later said that Maresca was so unhappy with the situation that he left without entering discussions over any compensation settlement.
Chelsea subsequently turned to Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior as his replacement, but the appointment failed to deliver the desired results.
Rosenior lasted just three months in charge before being relieved of his duties after Chelsea suffered five consecutive Premier League defeats without finding the back of the net.
Enzo Maresca clashed with Chelsea chiefs before leaving Stamford Bridge at the start of the year
| PAFor City, Maresca's expected arrival would represent a return to familiar surroundings.
The Italian previously worked under Guardiola as part of City's coaching staff before leaving to pursue opportunities in management, and his close relationship with the Spaniard has made him the overwhelming favourite to inherit one of the biggest jobs in European football.
Should the move be completed in the coming days, Maresca will face the daunting challenge of succeeding Guardiola while attempting to maintain City's dominance both domestically and on the continent.
How they fare in their new era remains to be seen.