Man United to step up Jose Mourinho chase

The Spaniard has agreed a three year deal worth a staggering £15m a season that makes him the highest paid boss in football.

It is understood Pellegrini got fed up with the constant speculation and forced club bosses to confirm Guardiola’s appointment by using yesterday’s press conference to announce he was leaving.

But Guardiola’s imminent arrival in Manchester has left United reeling and backed Old Trafford bosses into a corner.

The prospect of Guardiola making City the biggest and best team in Europe has seen United’s worst nightmare come true.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has decided to replace the struggling Louis van Gaal at the end of this season.

He knows Mourinho is the only man who can go toe to toe with Guardiola and will make his move for the former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss.

It delivers the mouth-watering prospect of the bitter enemies and two most high-profile bosses in world football resuming battle in the Premier League.

Mourinho has made it clear he wants to take charge of United and will jump at the chance of going up against Guardiola again.

Guardiola, who announced earlier this season he was leaving Bayern Munich and heading to English football, will be given up to £300m to spend on signings after being ordered to win the Champions League before 2019.

Pellegrini met City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak last week to discuss his position, but was told a month ago that Guardiola would be replacing him.

It is understood he accepts the decision, after telling Al-Mubarak that Guardiola was the only manager he would agree to stand aside for.

But he left his squad stunned when he told them before training yesterday that he would be leaving.

City bosses spoke to Guardiola in 2012 but failed to lure him to the Etihad and appointed Pellegrini instead, with the Chilean going on to win the league and League Cup in his first season.

Pellegrini, 63, has now been told he can speak to other clubs, with Chelsea among those interested, despite the fact he is still on course for an historic quadruple.

Right at the end of yesterday’s press conference, ahead of tonight’s game at Sunderland, he said: "I want to tell you I have talked with the club and I will finish my contract on the original date (June 30 2016).

"The club are not doing anything behind me. I knew this one month ago, but I don’t think it’s good to have rumour or speculation about these things, which is why I’ve told the players and the press.”

A club statement said: "Manchester City can confirm that in recent weeks it has commenced and finalised contractual negotiations with Pep Guardiola.

The contract is for three years. "Out of respect for Manuel Pellegrini and the players, the club wishes to make its decision public to remove the unnecessary burden of speculation.

"Manuel, who is fully supportive of the decision to make this communication, is entirely focused on achieving his targets for the season and retains the respect and commitment of all involved with the leadership of the club.”

(dailystar.co.uk)