Patrick Vieira has the backing of the Manchester City players should he be selected to replace Manuel Pellegrini, according to reports.

Pellegrini won the Premier League and the League Cup in his first season at the Etihad Stadium, but their defence faltered due to poor form in the second half of the campaign and his side currently sit fourth in the table.

As a result, there have been reports that the City hierarchy will part company with the Chilean in the summer, and coaches including Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp have already been linked with a move to the club.

Vieira is reported to be a possible candidate for the job, and the Daily Mail claims that the Frenchman's appointment would be met with approval from a number of senior players.

The former City and Arsenal midfielder has worked behind the scenes since 2011, but he was named head coach of the Elite Development squad shortly before Pellegrini's arrival two years later.

Napoli boss Rafael Benitez has played down reports that he has been contacted by City officials about a return to England.