Carlo Ancelotti and Manchester City Reportedly Hold Talks Over Real Madrid Exit

If Carlo Ancelotti gets dumped by Real Madrid just one season after winning La Decima, his next destination could be Manchester City. That's according to GianlucaDiMarzio.com reporter David Amoyal.

Continue for updates.

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Ancelotti 'Decision Deadline' Set

Friday, March 27

According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Carlos Forjanes of AS), City and Ancelotti have engaged in "conversations" toward his future. It's even suggested the Premier League club have given him a deadline of April 30 "to come back with an answer to their proposal."

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'City Sources' Deny Ancelotti Links

Thursday, March 26

However, City have allegedly denied the link to Ancelotti. Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star reports comments from an inside source: "Such reports are absolute nonsense and totally untrue. We can't do anything about the speculation regarding our manager, but as far as we are concerned there is no truth in suggestions we have approached Carlo Ancelotti."

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Ancelotti 'Top Choice' to Replace Pellegrini

Wednesday, March 25

Amoyal previously stated talks are already taking place between Ancelotti and the club that won last season's Premier League title, although the Italian may not be City's most desired option: "While Manchester City's top choice to replace Pellegrini is Pep Guardiola, it's very unlikely Bayern Munich will let him go—so the Citizens have been having on going conversations with Ancelotti who is considering this option."

Pre-emptive moves to rid themselves of managers would be ruthless even by the Citizens' and Los Blancos' standards.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Of course, current City boss Manuel Pellegrini knows all about how unforgiving life in the Spanish capital hot seat can be. He was ditched in favour of Jose Mourinho in 2010, despite guiding Real to a second-placed finish with a then-record number of points.

Now Pellegrini could suffer a similar fate in Manchester. He won the league title and Capital One Cup last season, but seems destined to finish trophyless this time as City trail Mourinho's Chelsea by six points, having played a game more, per the league's official site.

Ancelotti also finds himself second, four points behind arch enemy Barcelona. He couldn't claim La Liga's crown last season, but did win Los Merengues' 10th European Cup, as well as the Copa del Rey.

Yet rumours persist about a return to England. Ahead of Madrid's recent 2-1 defeat to Barca in El Clasico, MailOnline writer Pete Jenson suggested Arsenal as an ideal destination for the man who took Chelsea to a league and FA Cup double in 2009/10.

But Ancelotti also represents a great fit for City. He's got a real knack for getting marquee stars to work together, something City's star-studded but fractured squad needs.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Having won the UEFA Champions League three times, Ancelotti could also end City's dismal run in that competition.

Pellegrini is certainly under pressure and Ancelotti will certainly command interest if Madrid push him through the door this summer. This is one rumour unlikely to go away easily.