Is Roberto Mancini really about to leave Man City for Russia job?

According to reports in Russia, Roberto Mancini is set to leave the Premier League champions to take over the Russian national team. We’re not so sure.

A few days back rumours about Roberto Mancini’s future began to appear. Some linked him with the vacant job at the Russian FA but nobody seriously expected Mancini to walk away from the chance to to lead Manchester City into the Champions League next season.

Now, if reports from Russia are to be believed, Mancini has signed a deal to replace Dick Advocaat as Russia’s national boss, with a contract reported to be worth €7.2million a year. City could, of course, match or beat that but perhaps they are happy to let him go, if he wishes to go.

The story has added legs as Mancini was hidden from the media in Austria when he arrived with his team for the pre-season tour over the weekend.

City and the Italian have been in discussion for weeks about a new deal for him at the Etihad but with nothing agreed it is now alleged that the Russian FA have swooped in.

Of course, there are almost as many rumours that Mancini is staying put. According to ESPN.com, he will put pen to paper with the Citizens this week.

"Discussions are on-going. It's a big deal, so they are always complex and take time," a source told the site.

"City are confident it will be concluded this week, but because of all the clauses and legalities it could run into next week. But, by all accounts, the new contract is pretty close to being agreed."

It would be sensational for Mancini to leave at the peak of his powers at City so we will wait to hear what the club have to say in response to this claim. And, if he does walk away, who will step in to replace him? We hear that a certain ex-Barca manager is in the market for work…