Patrick Vieira is reportedly prepared to take on the Manchester City manager's job on an interim basis if the club decide to sack Manuel Pellegrini before the end of the season.
Pressure on the Chilean coach's position has intensified following Sunday's 4-2 defeat to local rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The North-West outfit are not expected to retain the Premier League title after slipping 12 points adrift of leaders Chelsea, and their place in the top four could also be in doubt. A win for fifth-placed Liverpool over Newcastle United in tonight's clash at Anfield would leave them four points behind Pellegrini's side.
According to the Daily Mail, while City are unlikely to call an end to Pellegrini's reign before the final game of the season, Vieira, who is in charge of the club's Under-21 development squad, is ready to step in if needed.
City have six games left to play in their season.
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