Man City Targeting Priority Replacement for Departing TxikiPaul Vegas

Begiristain has announced that he will be stepping down as sporting director of City after a successful 12-year tenure at the end of this season.

And former Newcastle midfielder Viana is their top choice to replace the Catalan, with the Portuguese having built his reputation as Sporting CP sporting director over several years.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano is reporting: "EXCLUSIVE: Sporting director of football Hugo Viana is Manchester City’s favorite candidate to replace Txiki Begiristain.

"After excellent work at Sporting with several top signings including Gyokeres, Diomandé, Hjulmand and more, he’s top of MCFC list as new director."