It was a different story last season, when Manchester City won the Premier League on the final day of the season

Manchester City will sack Roberto Mancini this week.

The Times understands that City are still debating the timings of the move but the manager could be dismissed before the club’s Barclays Premier League match away to Reading on Tuesday or, failing that, before or immediately after the final game of the season against Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Manuel Pellegrini, the Malaga coach, has been lined up as Mancini’s successor, although they could face an eleventh hour battle with Barcelona for the 59-year-old’s services after the Spanish giants made an enquiry about his availability this week. Nonetheless, City are thought to be quietly confident that Pellegrini will join the club.

Napoli have also enquired about Pellegrini and he remains on a list