Ramos has been at Seville for almost six years

Claudio Ranieri was the favourite for the City post but he is out of the running after taking over at Juventus.

Ramos, 52, has a contract with Seville until 2008 but he could leave this summer if his buy-out clause is paid.

However, a Seville spokesman said: "Juande is in discussions with the club in order to get another contract."

City are nearing a possible takeover with ex-Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra set to gain control of the club.

There was a project to start from scratch at City Claudio Ranieri

Shinawatra is believed to have wanted Ranieri, who steered Parma to safety in Serie A after arriving as their manager with the club precariously placed late on in the season.

Ranieri admitted he knew of the prospect of assuming the City helm but that the length of time over takeover negotiations proved a stumbling block.

"There was a project to start from scratch at City," said the 55-year-old Italian.

"But they haven't yet been bought by a new owner and the weeks were passing by.

"The Juve negotiations came about in a surprising manner. It was like a bolt out of the blue as I didn't expect it.

"You simply can't say no to a club like Juventus and I didn't."

606: DEBATE Would Ramos be the right man for Man City?

However, Ramos could still be tempted by the Eastlands job after spending almost six years in charge at Seville.

And BBC Five Live correspondent Jonathan Legard said: "I am told the man that City could now concentrate on is Ramos.