Sources: Man City hit new sticking point over Enzo Maresca appointment as Chelsea stand firm

Man City are finding it tough to agree a compensation deal with Chelsea so they can officially appoint Enzo Maresca as their new manager.

Pep Guardiola has recommended Maresca to succeed him at the Etihad Stadium after stepping down at the end of last season.

The Italian manager has not taken a job since he parted company with Chelsea on New Year's Day following disagreements with their board.

It is no secret that City are keen to appoint him as their new boss, but the Blues are making life difficult as it stands.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, the current hold-up has been caused by disagreements over the compensation that Chelsea are owed.

His Chelsea contract was reportedly worth more than £4million per year and had another three-and-a-half years left to run when he left in January.

City are keen to get a deal over the line soon, especially with pre-season training set to begin in July and several new signings lined up.

Chelsea causing hold up in Enzo Maresca to Man City

Maresca led Chelsea to Conference League and Club World Cup glory last year, so has a winning pedigree that City admire.

He also served as one of Guardiola's assistants in the 2022-23 campaign, as they won the treble, before he left to manage Leicester City.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast about the current hold-up, I explained: "It's ongoing. The two clubs are in active talks and trying to agree a compensation figure.

"Obviously, Chelsea feel that they are owed significant compensation because he had a long period left on his contract after he left midway through last season.

"I think that's the sticking point at the minute. Chelsea are hoping to get a decent compensation fee. Obviously City are trying to lower that if they can."

Maresca could hand Man City lifeline to Jack Grealish

Grealish is set to return to City this summer following the conclusion of his loan spell at Everton.

He impressed in the first half of the campaign on Merseyside, but suffered a season-ending foot injury in February and underwent surgery.

Despite the 30-year-old being keen on a move back to Everton, sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Maresca rates Grealish and could give him a second chance next term.

If he is officially appointed by the Citizens in the coming weeks, then Grealish could well be back in their squad for 2026-27.