Manchester City deny making 'huge offer' for Diego Simeone, who extends stay with Atletico Madrid

Had any hopes of replacing Manuel Pellegrini with the Argentinian existed, they've been dashed after he signed a new contract until 2020

Agency
Tuesday 24 March 2015 14:24 GMT
Comments
Diego Simeone
Diego Simeone (2015 Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester City have denied making an offer to, or being interested in, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone.

With City looking set to go trophyless this season, there has been plenty of talk of late about the prospect of manager Manuel Pellegrini being replaced in the summer.

Simeone - who Atletico on Tuesday confirmed had signed a new contract with them through to 2020 - had been among those mentioned as a potential successor.

And on the latest edition of Sky Sports' Revista de La Liga programme, Spanish journalist Guillem Balague claimed the Argentinian would be staying on with his current employers despite having had a "huge offer" from City.

However, City sources have categorically denied to Press Association Sport that the club made a bid for Simeone's services or that they are interested in the 44-year-old.

Since Simeone took charge at Atletico in 2011, the trophies they have won include the Europa League and Primera Division, and they have also reached the Champions League final.

Chilean Pellegrini guided City to the Premier League title, victory in the Capital One Cup final and the club's first-ever participation in the Champions League knock-out rounds last season, his first term in the job.

Manuel Pellegrini’s current contract ends next summer and he is highly unlikely to be offered a new deal
Manuel Pellegrini’s current contract ends next summer and he is highly unlikely to be offered a new deal (Getty Images)

Since then they have suffered a second successive last-16 exit in the continental competition, and in the Premier League - their last hope of silverware in 2014-15 - they are currently second, six points behind Chelsea, who have a game in hand.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in