Enzo Maresca: Next Man City manager has been in transfer talks for 'months'
Enzo Maresca has already played a key role in transfer talks with Manchester City chiefs as he prepares to replace Pep Guardiola.
Despite the absence of a formal announcement, the former Chelsea boss is set to take over, having been lined up for the role when Guardiola's exit became likely.
Talks have been ongoing behind the scenes for "months", with the manager believed to have been consulted on the plans for his squad this summer.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Maresca has given the green light for Man City's ambitious transfer plans to take place.
Major changes are expected following the dramatic change of manager, with players likely to leave, while key targets have been decided with Maresca's help.
When will Enzo Maresca take over at Man City?
Former City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider in April that Man City were in talks with Maresca about becoming their next manager.
After talks progressed and it became apparent Guardiola was leaving, the former Chelsea boss had already run the rule over his squad with transfer plans in mind.
Talks have already taken place with City's recruitment team, and despite no formal announcement, he has already been heavily involved.
"A lot of what happens at City will have the green light from Maresca," Brown told Football Insider.
"Even though it hasn't been announced, it's pretty clear that he is taking over from Guardiola, so their plans will largely revolve around what he wants to do.
"I'm sure he will have been spoken to about different players, positions, which players they could let go as well.
"So he will have been working with them, probably for months, on what their plans are for the summer and especially the transfer window.
"Everything is set up for him to step in and continue where Guardiola left off, and this way it means there won't be any surprises or players caught in the middle."
What do Man City's summer transfer plans look like?
Maresca is still preparing to take the reins at Man City, but transfer plans are already well underway, with clear plans for what they want to do this summer.
There is still a lot that has to happen, and there are players who will leave and will need to be replaced, but there are key positions already in mind.
High on their list is a new central midfielder, as Football Insider revealed Man City are favourites to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
The 23-year-old has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season thanks to his performances both for Forest and England.
A formal offer has reportedly been made to Forest in recent days, although their asking price could prove problematic, as they are set to demand over £100million.