MOgden:
It is understood, however, that Pellegrini held face-to-face discussions with director of football Begiristain and Marwood, managing director of City’s Academy, last week to fine tune squad issues and pre-season logistics before heading off on holiday.
Pellegrini has already overseen the £14.9 million purchase of Sevilla winger Jesus Navas and the £30m signing of Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fernandinho and the club remain in pursuit of Napoli forward Edinson Cavani, despite competition from Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain.
With Pellegrini expected to be officially unveiled at a press conference in early July, the new manager will begin his reign in charge during a two-game tour of South Africa next month.