Manchester City are reportedly weighing up a move for Napoli manager Rafael Benitez to replace Manuel Pellegrini next season.

Pellegrini's future has come under intense scrutiny following Sunday's heavy 4-2 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford, with widespread reports suggesting that he will be sacked before the 2015-16 campaign.

The Mirror reports that City's hierarchy want to appoint Pep Guardiola as their permanent manager, but the Spaniard has repeatedly said that he won't leave Bayern Munich before his contract expires in 2016.

However, instead of retaining Pellegrini for next season, the paper says that they are considering a move for Benitez - but only for one year until Guardiola becomes available.

Benitez is expected to leave Napoli at the end of the season, and has made it clear in the past that he enjoys working in the Premier League.

The 54-year-old has managed both Liverpool and Chelsea, winning five trophies.