Marseille have reportedly made Patrick Vieira a candidate to become their next manager.
Reports have suggested that the Ligue 1 side will part company with current boss Marcelo Bielsa at the end of the season after witnessing their title challenge falter in recent weeks.
Former Arsenal captain Vieira, who is currently the head of City's elite development squad, is close to being qualified to manage at first-team level after spending the past two years securing his coaching licence with the Football Association of Wales.
The 38-year-old has been heavily linked with the top job at City, with Manuel Pellegrini expected to leave the Etihad this summer.
It is understood that while Vieira is highly regarded by the City hierarchy, the former French international is weighing up his coaching options.
According to The Telegraph, Marseille are hoping that they can tempt Vieira back to France by offering him his first foray into management.
Vieira also played for Juventus and Inter Milan before finishing his career at City in 2011.
Steven Toplis
