Fabio Capello could be poised to stun the football world and make the move to Major League Soccer.
The MLS newcomers have sacked coach Jason Kreis after a disappointing first season in the competition, leaving former England manager Capello as the favourite to take over.
NYCFC missed out on the end-of-season playoffs despite spending big on star names like Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and David Villa.
They could now swoop for former Russia coach Capello, who managed Lampard during his time in charge of England and is also thought to be a target for Chelsea.
‘Prior to the start of the season, it was agreed with the coaching team that the securing of a playoff place was an appropriate target for this year,’ the club said in a statement.
‘A win rate of less than one in three games and a points tally which was the second lowest in the league is clearly not in line with the targets that were agreed. ‘
NYCFC finished 17th of 20 teams, tied on points with the two teams immediately below them, and ended the campaign 12 points adrift of the lowest-placed team to make the playoffs.
