Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini open to staying in Premier League amid Chelsea rumours

The Chilean will be deposed by Bayern Munich’s Pep Guardiola in June and has been linked with the post at Chelsea

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini (Getty Images)

Manuel Pellegrini, the departing Manchester City manager, has given his clearest indication yet that he may join another Premier League club when he leaves in the summer.

The Chilean will be deposed by Bayern Munich’s Pep Guardiola in June and has been linked with the soon-to-be vacated post at Chelsea, with interim manager Guus Hiddink making way at Stamford Bridge once the season is through.

Antonio Conte, the Italy head coach, is widely expected to be announced as the man to ultimately succeed José Mourinho at the ailing Premier League champions after revealing he will step down from his position with the Azzurri once their European Championship fate is settled.

But Pellegrini, citing his decision to link-up with La Liga outfit Malaga soon after being dismissed by Real Madrid in 2010, has appeared to suggest he would be willing to join one of City’s immediate divisional rivals - so long as they have a suitable “project” in place.

“It depends on the mentality of the manager,” he said. “I always remember when I finished with Real Madrid, I had a lot of different options and I chose Malaga because the project was interesting.

“It doesn't matter which club you are going to, whether it's a big or a small team, it depends on the project of the club and what they want to develop at the club and the players you can bring to the club.”

Fourth-placed City remain just one point ahead of West Ham and Manchester United, whom they were defeated by last weekend at the Etihad, in the race to secure Champions League qualification.

Now 15 points behind leaders Leicester City, Pellegrini’s side are faced with the indignity of merely fighting it out for a top four berth in their remaining eight matches rather than playing a role in the title race.

Pellegrini added: “There are a lot of interesting things here in England because all the clubs have money to have a good project, so surely a lot of managers will be interested in a lot of clubs.

“I think it's a strange season but I'm sure it's the first strange season for a lot and they will be very similar because all the clubs here have an important amount of money.

“With the new rights from the TV deal you have more money and all the teams here in England can pick good players.”