Manchester City are reportedly set to replace departing sporting director Txiki Begiristain with former Newcastle United star Hugo Viana.
The reigning Premier League champions are believed to have agreed a deal with Portuguese giants Sporting CP over a deal that will see Viana make a move to the Etihad Stadium - and The Guardian have reported the former Portugal international will work alongside Begiristain during ‘a lengthy handover period’.
Viana has overseen a fine turnaround in fortunes with Sporting and has been credited with the impressive appointment of former Braga manager Ruben Amorim, who has been linked with several big name clubs in recent months. Viana has also played a part in the big money sales of Manuel Ugarte, Matheus Nunes and Nuno Mendes in recent seasons and is now set to return to the Premier League for the first time since his disappointing spell with Newcastle came to an end in 2006.
But how could a City side look if Viana was handed an integral role at the Etihad Stadium?
1. GK: Ederson
There has been speculation over the Brazilian's future at the Etihad - but he remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world. | Getty Images
2. RB: Jeremie Frimpong
The former City academy wing-back has impressed during his time with Bayer Leverkusen - could he be tempted back to the Etihad as a long-term successor to Kyle Walker? | Getty Images
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3. CB: Ruben Dias
The Portugal star has been outstanding since his move to City and will remain integral in the heart of the defence. | Getty Images
4. CB: Theo Hernandez
The AC Milan star has been linked to City in recent weeks and will enter into the last 18 months of his deal with the Serie A giants in January. His ability to play at left-back and centre-back could dovetail with the next man on this list. | AFP via Getty Images