Man City make instant move to replace Begiristain as ex-Newcastle ace emerges as favourite

Manchester City already know who they want to replace the departing Txiki Begiristain as the club's new director of football.

Begiristain has spent a hugely successful 12 years with the club, winning seven Premier League titles and one Champions League - the latter part of a league and cup treble in 2023.

It was reported earlier on Tuesday afternoon that .

The decision is believed to have the full backing of the club's hierarchy, with Begiristain having made it clear he wasn't keen to work beyond his 60th birthday.

Begiristain turned 60 in August, with City believed to have been in contact with his replacement, who is likely to start work in the new year.

It's a move that will see Begiristain's successor shadow him for six months, before taking the reins ahead of what could be a pivotal summer transfer window.

According to reports, that man could be current Sporting CP DoF Hugo Viana.

has claimed the 41-year-old is top of City's list, having impressed in the role with Portuguese giants Sporting.

Viana took over as DoF at Sporting in 2018 and has overseen plenty of prosperous transfer deals, including the £17.5million purchase of striker Viktor Gyokeres from EFL Championship side Coventry City.

Other success stories include the purchases of Ousmane Diomande and Morten Hjulmand - two players currently linked with moves to the Premier League.

As a player, Viana enjoyed somewhat of a journeyman career, which included a four-year stint at Premier League Newcastle United.

Although, the Barcelos-born star spent the majority of his time contracted to the North East outfit out on loan, having failed to settle at St. James' Park.

Viana made his Portugal debut in 2001 and notched up an impressive 29 caps which included making the squad for four major tournaments.

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