Long-term sporting director Txiki Begiristain is to leave Manchester City and the Etihad club have worked quickly to appoint a replacement.

Hugo Viana will take over as Manchester City’s director of football next summer. Viana will arrive at the club from Sporting Lisbon when Txiki Begiristain steps aside at the end of this season.

Viana will replace Txiki Begiristain as football director at the Etihad Stadium, which has had a direct knock-on effect on a potential favourite to one day succeed Pep Guardiola as manager.