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Manchester City have dismissed reports that Carlo Ancelotti has been lined up to take over next season.

Reports in Italy claimed the Real Madrid coach had signed a pre-contract agreement to succeed Manuel Pellegrini.

The former Chelsea boss is coming under increasing pressure at the Bernabeu after Real's failure to reach the Champions League final.

But City sources insisted there was nothing to the latest stories - much like last week's claims that Pep Guardiola had verbally agreed to become their next manager.

City have maintained that there is no appetite to sack Pellegrini, despite the Chilean being set to end the season without a trophy.

Pellegrini's performance will be reviewed by chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak in the summer, but is already making plans for next season.

Yet his future continues to be the source of speculation, with Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp also linked with his job.

Pellegrini's cause might be helped by leading City to second place - and he is determined to end the season on a high with six straight wins.

Ahead of Sunday's game against Swansea he said: "For our team always the most important thing is to win titles, but if you cannot win the title it doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter if you win or lose games.

"I think it is important to try and finish second and as near as top of the table as you can."