Hugo Viana starts work at Man City TODAY as new director of football – and will work alongside Txiki Begiristain until the end of the season

Hugo Viana has officially started work at Manchester City as of Monday as Txiki Begiristain’s successor attempts to drive the dethroned champions into a new era.

Mail Sport revealed in October that Viana had accepted the job to take over from Begiristain – as director of football – who is departing after 13 trophy-laden years at the Etihad Stadium.

The Portuguese was initially thought to be beginning in earnest in the summer but has seemingly brought that date forward.

His former employers, Sporting, had wanted Viana to see out the season but ultimately allowed the 42-year-old to leave at the end of the January transfer window.

Viana was at Old Trafford for Sunday’s drab goalless derby draw with Manchester United, sat in the directors’ box, and has attended some of Pep Guardiola‘s training sessions.

Begiristain is remaining in situ until after the Club World Cup, working alongside Viana in the hope of a smooth transition.

The Portuguese will take over from Txiki Begiristain (right), who is departing after 13 trophy-laden years

The duo will work together before Begiristain departs after the summer’s Club World Cup

City are in talks over the futures of a number of Guardiola’s squad as they look to ascertain the extent of a rebuild that started with a £175million spend in January.

Kevin De Bruyne announced he is leaving after a decade’s service, with Kyle Walker expected to follow him once his loan spell at AC Milan ends.