Former England international Gary Lineker has been critical of the way that Manchester City have dealt with the ongoing situation surrounding Roberto Mancini's future as the club's manager.

Speculation over the last few days has suggested that City's owners have decided to sack the Italian and replace him with current Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini.

Despite the growing intensity of the reports, City have remained silent - something that has disappointed Lineker.

"Manchester City's silence is deafening. Put the man out of his misery. Sack him or back him," he wrote on Twitter. "Can only deduce from the silence that the club and Mancini are in some sort of negotiations. Doesn't make sense otherwise.

"Whatever your views on Mancini's reign, he did help win MCFC their first title in 7 million years, and deserves to be treated respectfully."

City are in London at the moment preparing for their match away at Reading tomorrow evening.