Chelsea are lining up a legal battle with Manchester City in the event that former boss Enzo Maresca is appointed as Pep Guardiola's replacement. City are faced with the stiff task of finding a successor for the Catalan coach, who is set to bring his Etihad career to an end after a decade at the club. Maresca is a leading contender for the role after departing Chelsea on New Year's Day in controversial circumstances. The Italian's position was deemed untenable as they parted via mutual consent .