AC Milan have reportedly already undertaken the decision to sack head coach Stefano Pioli at the end of the season.
Despite his previous allegiances to rivals Inter Milan, Pioli has forged a successful period at San Siro with I Rossoneri.
A total of 129 wins and just 51 defeats have been recorded from 235 matches in all competitions and he has also won the 2021-22 Serie A title during that period.
Not so long ago, Milan were able to put together a run of seven successive wins in Serie A and the Europa League, with supporters optimistic their side could lift the latter trophy.
However, Milan have since put together a costly four-game winless streak, losing 3-1 on aggregate to Roma in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Furthermore, a 3-3 draw at Sassuolo in Serie A was followed by a 2-1 reverse to Inter on Monday night, allowing their neighbours to win the title.
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Milan board decide to make a change in the dugout
Milan still remain in second position in the standings, 17 points adrift of Inter, but they hold a five-point advantage over Juventus in the race for second position.
Nevertheless, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the AC Milan board are already searching for suitable alternatives to the 58-year-old.
That is despite CEO Giorgio Furlani "confirming" after the defeat on Monday evening that Pioli was the manager and the focus was on "ending the season well".
AC Milan still have five games to play, including a showdown with rivals Juventus in Turin on Saturday evening with a win for either side potentially proving decisive.
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Pellegrini emerges as surprise target
According to a report by Fichajes, Real Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini has been identified as a possible replacement for Pioli.
Such a move would come as a surprise to many with Pellegrini now 70 years of age and having managed the La Liga side since 2020.
Pellegrini has also never managed a team in Italy, his most notable roles coming at Villarreal, Real Madrid, Manchester City and West Ham United.
That said, the report adds that Pellegrini having Italian roots - his parents are Italian - make an appointment more feasible than it may initially appear.
There is also said to be a termination clause in the Chilean's contract, which is due to expire in 2026.
Darren Plant
