The Chilean, who will be replaced by Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium in the summer, wants a greater show of commitment from the Russian Premier League side
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has been offered a two-year contract by Zenit St Petersburg, but is holding out for a longer deal as he plots the final years of his managerial career.
Goal understands Zenit have moved ahead of Valencia and an undisclosed Italian club as they look to replace Andre Villas-Boas, who has already announced his decision to step down at the end of the season.
And while they are confident Pellegrini will accept their financial offer of €3.5 million per year, the Chilean would prefer a greater show of commitment from his would-be employers.
The veteran coach was one of the driving forces behind City's decision to publicy announce their agreement with Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola.
Pellegrini is said to respect his paymasters' long-term pursuit of Guardiola, but was keen to be able to negotiate his next career move without the pretence that he would be at the Etihad Stadium at the end of the summer.
He rejected recent overtures from Chile, his home nation, on the basis that he still prefers the day-to-day life of a club coach, but it is understood he is open to ending his career at the helm of La Roja.
That has opened the door for several club sides, and it is believed Pellegrini's representatives have fielded a number of enquiries over the past month.
Zenit have so far made the most concrete proposal, and Pellegrini is thought to be open to the idea of a new challenge and life in one of the world's most picturesque cities.
But his camp have been instructed to negotiate a longer contract offer.
Villas Boas signed a two-year deal in St Petersburg in the summer of 2014, although the Portuguese is said to earn as much as €8.5m annually.
Pellegrini is also wanted by Valencia, but the tumultuos atmosphere at Mestalla, where fans have protested against Peter Lim's ownership and the growing influence of Jorge Mendes, represents a stumbling block for the laid-back manager.
- Goal