Zenit look to Premier League manager as replacement

Roberto Mancini is not the type to admit defeat - not publicly anyway. But this time defeat may be admitted for him, and other managers may be circling to take his place - not to mention other clubs circling to snatch him up. 

With the Premier League title all but out of reach, the Italian's only real chance of silverware lies in the FA Cup, with Manchester City through to the semi-finals, however they face a tough challenge in either Chelsea, or local rivals Manchester United, depending on the result of the replay. Still, considering the funds fueled into assembling this City side, the board may well be dissatisfied with a lone FA Cup trophy, failure to retain the title, and being knocked out of European football altogether from the Champions League group stages. 

Zenit St. Petersburg are another club largely dissatisfied with their manager's achievements to date. Luciano Spalletti saw £64 million fly out the door to acquire the services of Hulk and Axel Witsel, yet lie only third in the Russian Premier League table. Should Mancini lose his place, Zenit will be more than happy to provide a new home for him - at Spalletti's expense, of course.

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