Patrick Vieira will leave Manchester City if offered a manager’s position that suits his ambition, with the Frenchman aware his next career move is crucial.
After four years at the Etihad Stadium in various non-playing roles Vieira is ready to become a No1 though he will not depart City, where he is the elite development squad manager, unless a suitable offer is received.
Newcastle United have made contact with the Vieira camp, although this is as far as any progress has gone regarding the 38-year-old former Arsenal captain replacing John Carver as manager.
Vieira is on a 12-month rolling contract worth around £1.5m a-year and Newcastle or any club would have to pay that amount in compensation.
The former France captain is well thought of at City and ideally the club would want him to stay. Vieira is seriously considering his options and even if City were to offer him improved terms and an enhanced position he may view any hopes of promotion to the top job as unlikely in the near future.
Vieira knows Manuel Pellegrini appears certain to be retained for another year as manager. If he does stay City hope to appoint Bayern Munich’s Pep Guardiola next summer. This would close the door to any prospects Vieira may have of taking over at City in the next 12 months. His lack of experience as a manager may also count against him.
Although Newcastle may provide the opportunity to manage in the Premier League, Vieira wants to ensure any job he may take is on his terms. Mike Ashley, the owner, has thus far operated a strict regime and Vieira having the control he desires appears remote.
