Everton, Watford and Arsenal are among the clubs interested in Pellegrini

The Chilean is keen to stay in the Premier League when he leaves Man City

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has turned down job offers from around the world — including from within City’s own franchises — to see what opportunities come up in the Premier League this summer.

The Chilean’s love affair with English football will be of particular interest to Everton and Watford, and also Arsenal should Arsene Wenger suddenly leave.

Pellegrini, 62, is making way for Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium on such good terms that City’s owners made it clear he would be welcome to take another job in the organisation, either in Manchester or at their sister clubs in America or Australia.

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini (R) has turned down jobs to see what the Premier League has to offer

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola (right) is the man who will replace the Chilean next season

But Pellegrini belives he has at least four years left working as a manager in a top league and has also rebuffed early approaches from Qatar, China and Russia.

His priority is to lead an ambitious project, which would certainly apply to Everton under the new ownership of billionaire Farhad Moshiri.

Pellegrini has become enchanted by the culture of English football and is overwhelmed by the size of crowds even for cup competitions.

City captain Vincent Kompany (L) is also facing an uncertain future when Guardiola arrives in the summer

Another key figure at City, captain Vincent Kompany, is also facing an uncertain future when Guardiola arrives. But the Belgium international is putting any decisions on hold until the end of the season.

‘I don’t think for one minute about next year. Of course not,’ he said.

‘We know what is ahead of us, a Champions League semi-final and fight for the top four. Let’s do that first, let’s play the Euros after that and let’s think about the future after that.’

Goalkeeper Joe Hart is due to his make his 300th league appearance for City against Southampton.

The imposing No 1 has been showered with praise for his performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg at the Etihad on Tuesday night.

Goalkeeper Joe Hart is due to his make his 300th league appearance for City against Southampton

Kompany said: ‘England are very lucky to have him. I think he might be that special somebody who not only makes the difference for City but also for England at the Euros.

‘With Joe Hart at the back, there is always a save in there that is going to keep you in the game.’

Pellegrini will make some changes to his line-up at St Mary’s with the semi-final second leg in mind.

He has denied teenage striker Kelechi Iheanacho has problems with his team-mates. TV pundit Thierry Henry said it was ‘weird’ that City’s other players didn't celebrate with Iheanacho after he scored against Spurs.

Pellegrini said: ‘Kelechi is a young player and he has a very good relationship with all his team-mates. They know what he can give to our team.