Enzo Maresca, who has been relieved of his duties at Stamford Bridge, revealed to Chelsea on a couple of occasions prior to his New Year's Day dismissal that he has held talks with officials at Manchester City regarding a potential opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.

Enzo Maresca has left his position as Chelsea head coach with immediate effect as club and manager concluded that their increasingly embittered relationship could not continue.

It was on Thursday lunchtime that the Italian’s departure was formally announced, and around the same time, one of Chelsea’s sporting directors rang under-21 head coach Calum McFarlane to ask him to take charge of the team’s away match against Manchester City on Sunday.

Enzo Maresca left his role as Chelsea manager on New Year's Day with the club sitting fifth in the Premier League. The Italian, 45, departed less than six months after winning the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of his first season in charge but the Blues will look to act swiftly to appoint his successor.

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Pep Guardiola said Chelsea's decision to part ways with an 'incredible' manager like Enzo Maresca makes him feel 'lucky' to be working at Manchester City, as his former assistant faces an uncertain future after leaving Stamford Bridge.

Pep Guardiola has reiterated his desire to stay on at Manchester City despite reports that former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has held talks about potentially taking over at the Etihad.