Claudio Ranieri moved a step closer to taking over as the Manchester City manager last night after quitting his job at Parma. The Italian succeeded in guiding the Serie A club to safety after being handed the job with the side in a seemingly hopeless position in February.
"Claudio Ranieri has informed the club of his intention to leave his role as first-team coach," said Parma in a statement. "The club would like to thank him for the precious work he carried out, which resulted in keeping Parma in Serie A."
The move appeared inevitable once Ranieri had spoken in gushing terms about the challenge that awaits him as Stuart Pearce's successor at City.
"The Manchester City challenge reminds me of the experience I had at Chelsea where without spending one pound, we built a good team," Ranieri told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I created the Chelsea miracle from nothing. My achievement convinced (Roman) Abramovich to buy the club. Then, mountains of money came as well as a selection of top players."
Although it now appears certain that Ranieri will take over at Eastlands, it could be the end of next week at the earliest before he is formally installed. The deal for the former Thai prime minsister Thaksin Shinawatra to buy the 29% stake of the chairman John Wardle and his business partner David Makin by the end of the month has dragged on, with paperwork now being handled by the Shinawatra's lawyers.
With an outline pre-season programme in place but unannounced, City officials remain relaxed about the situation, believing there will only be need for concern in terms of potential signings should the matter remain unresolved. And, as Ranieri has now turned his back on Parma, an element of certainty is becoming apparent.
Although Ranieri is unlikely to receive anything like the windfall Abramovich provided, a transfer kitty of £50m has been suggested, which would at least allow City to compete for players at a level they were unable to manage during Pearce's two years in charge.
Carlo Ancelotti has agreed a new deal to stay coach of the European champions Milan for the next three years. The 47-year-old's contract was due to run out at the end of next season, but it has now been extended until June 30, 2010.
