Pepijn Lijnders, who previously served as Jurgen Klopp`s assistant at Liverpool, is reportedly nearing a move to Manchester City to become Pep Guardiola`s new second-in-command.
The 42-year-old Dutch coach has been without a job since being dismissed from his role as head coach of RB Salzburg last December.
Lijnders took the Salzburg position after departing Liverpool concurrently with his colleague, Klopp.
He spent a total of nine years over two stints as Klopp`s assistant at Anfield.
During this time, he was part of the coaching staff for several seasons when Liverpool competed fiercely with Guardiola`s City for the Premier League title.
According to reports, Lijnders is now poised to join the coaching setup of his former rivals.
This move is said to be in response to recent departures from Guardiola`s backroom team, including Juanma Lillo, Inigo Dominguez, and Carlos Vicens, who took a managing role at Portuguese Europa League side SC Braga.
Earlier this month, Lijnders was also considered for the head coach vacancy at Norwich City.
Norwich had sacked Johannes Hoff Thorup and decided against appointing interim boss Jack Wilshere permanently.
Lijnders was interviewed for the Norwich job, but the club ultimately selected Liam Manning from Bristol City.
The former Liverpool assistant is expected to link up with Manchester City in time for the Club World Cup next month.
Former City defender Kolo Toure was also among those considered for a coaching role.
Toure, 44, has been working with City`s Under-18s team.
He has prior senior coaching experience from working under Brendan Rodgers at Celtic and Leicester, and also had a brief spell as manager of Wigan Athletic.
Marcus Bellamy