Manuel Pellegrini firm favourite to replace Gary Neville at Valencia
MANUEL PELLEGRINI is firm favourite to take over at Valencia in the wake of Gary Neville’s shock sacking.
Posted Thursday, March 31, 2016 by Dailystar.co.uk
INCOMING: Pellegrini could take over struggling Valencia
Neville was axed yesterday after less than four months in charge, having won just three of his 16 league games.
It is understood the decision took Neville by surprise as he expected to cling on until his contract expired this summer.
But owner Peter Lim decided to act with Valencia just six points above the relegation zone in La Liga.
He wants to bring in outgoing Manchester City boss Pellegrini next season but knows that will be impossible if his side goes down.
Pellegrini is also wanted by Zenit St Petersburg, who are bankrolled by energy giant Gazprom and willing to offer him £2.7m a year.
But Lim is convinced a return to Spain appeals to the Chilean, who managed Villarreal, Malaga and Real Madrid before landing the City job.
Another name in the frame should Pellegrini snub a move to the Mestalla is Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka.
Former Liverpool assistant coach Pako Ayestaran, who came in last month to help Neville, will take over until the end of the season.
It is also understood Gary’s brother Phil Neville is unlikely to follow him out of the door with Valencia keen to retain his services.
Axed boss Neville said: “I would have liked to have continued the work I started but understand that we are in a results business.
“In the 28 games they have not been to my standards or to those which are required by this club.”
Neville delayed joining up with England to take three days of training at Valencia after their latest defeat.
But he was sacked after a private conversation with Lim on his return to work on Wednesday. He will be paid the rest of his salary in full.
Pellegrini, who is making way for Pep Guardiola at City, was also on Chelsea’s wanted list and is in no hurry to decide his future.
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