Roberto Mancini is to put pen to paper on a new four-year contract at Manchester City, according to reports.

The Italian has been linked with succeeding Dick Advocaat as manager of the Russian national team, with reports of a £6.5m-a-year deal in the offing.

However, the Citizens' hierarchy are keen to block any approach by pinning Mancini to a new long-term deal, according to The Sun.

Mancini, who replaced Mark Hughes at the helm in 2009, has flown out to Austria with his squad as they prepare to defend their Premier League crown.

Written by
Michael Penkman