Three of the main contenders for the Manchester City management position Louis Van Gaal, Ronald Koemain and Gerard Houillier have ruled themselves out of the runnings. Each contender has spoken out and played down any talks of speculation regarding a move to the club.

Ronald Koeman is currently at PSV Eindhoven and has  a year left on his contract. He will be looking to fulfil his duties at the club rather than consider a move to the premiership. Gerard Houillier has already been linked with Newcastle United before Sam Allardyce was appointed there yesterday. The former Liverpool manager is currently at Lyon who deny any rumours that their manager will be leaving the club. His contract at French Champions Lyon runs until June 2008. Similarly Louis Van Gaal is already at another club and has recently signed a new contract with AZ Alkmaar. The press officer for the Dutch side has categorically ruled the manager out.

Any move for top managers could hinge on the successful takeover of the club. Stuart Pearce was axed at the end of a disappointing season with City hovering 4 points above the drop zone. Takeover talks have been mentioned in the press for several weeks and it is suggested that a deal with the consortium led by former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is close.

In the bookies the favourite for the job remains former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri. Ranieri is currently managing Parma but has figured as a key possibility and hope for city supporters. Speculation was fuelled when Ranieri told BBC Sport he was keen on a return to the Premiership. However, he also stated that he had not yet been approached by Manchester City.