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Roberto Mancini is in talks to take charge of Botafago, according to Brazilian media reports.
The former Manchester City and Italy boss has been without a job since being sacked as head coach of Saudi Arabia in October.
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Mancini left his role with the national team just 14 months after his appointment in August 2023, having signed a four-year deal worth around £77million.
Despite this, his stint in charge came to an abrupt end after winning just seven of his 18 games, with the Italian rumoured to be receiving a £25million pay-off from the Saudi FA.
But Mancini could now be set for a spectacular return to the dugout in the Brazilian top-flight.
According to Brazilian publication Globo, the 60-year-old has held talks with Botafogo over their vacant manager's job, following the departure of head coach Artur Jorge last month.
The news outlet reports that Mancini met with owner John Textor, who is also co-owner of Crystal Palace, in France on Wednesday.
While the two parties are understood to have held positive discussions, the Rio de Janeiro side have not yet tabled an offer, with other big names also in the running.
Former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez is another potential candidate, as well as ex-Barcelona and Argentina head coach Tata Martino.
Globo claims that the Brazilian outfit are looking for a coach who will embrace both their on-field aspirations, as well as being able to navigate their problems away from the pitch.
Botafogo are the reigning national and South American champions, having clinched both the 2024 Serie A and Copa Libertadores titles.
However, it was reported in January that their players were prepared to strike after delays in receiving their trophy-winning bonuses from last season.
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The three-time national champions began their Rio de Janeiro state championship campaign in January, and currently sit fourth in the table with 12 points from their opening seven games.
But with the 2025 Brazilian Serie A season not starting until March 29, Textor is believed to be in no rush to appoint a new manager.
According to Globo, the American will continue to hold talks with all potential candidates before reaching a decision.
And should he opt for Mancini, this will mark his return to club football after six years in international management.
The former Italy forward counts Fiorentina, Lazio, Inter Milan and Man City among his former sides, and led the latter two to league title success, winning Serie A three times in a row with Inter.
In 2018, he took charge of the Italian national team, and guided them to European glory with victory over England in the final at Euro 2020.
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Mancini resigned from his role with Gli Azzurri in August 2023, before being appointed as Saudi Arabia head coach just two weeks later.
However, he was unable to improve the fortunes of the Arabian Falcons during his short stint in charge, with his side crashing out of the 2023 Asian Cup at the round of 16 stage after defeat to South Korea.
