Transfer Tracker

Report: NYCFC coach Ronny Deila "in conversations" with Standard Liège of Belgium

TRANSFER TRACKER: Report

Ronny Deila's days in charge of New York City FC could be numbered, according to reports in Europe confirmed by ESPN's Taylor Twellman.

During halftime of Sunday's Sporting Kansas City-New England Revolution match on ABC, Twellman reported the Norwegian "is in conversations with Standard Liège of becoming their new manager."

Deila's departure to the Belgian First Division A would be a huge blow for the defending MLS Cup champions, who appear poised to make a run at a repeat while sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings. They made the Concacaf Champions League semifinals earlier this year, falling to eventual winners Seattle Sounders FC.

"What does Manchester City Football Group do to bring someone in midseason?," asked Twellman, hinting a clear replacement isn't in place.

Another ongoing rumor surrounding NYCFC is goalscorer Taty Castellanos, who's recently been linked to Leeds United.

Despite the chatter, Twellman insists neither the Premier League club nor any other suitors have come close to meeting the Cityzens' price tag for last year's Golden Boot presented by Audi winner.

"City Football group is saying $15 million or more. That is where we are," Twellman said. "The rumors about Leeds and other teams being interested, that is all rumors. There is nothing formal, nothing substantial."

"So Taty Castellanos may finish 2022 in New York City."

Deila's future in the Big Apple, however, isn't so certain.

"The bigger question is who's gonna replace Ronny Deila because he's had his finger on the pulse over the last 12 months in New York City," said Twellman. "That's going to be a huge omission if they lose him midseason."

Deila, 46, originally joined NYCFC ahead of the 2020 campaign. He famously led Celtic FC to two Scottish Premiership titles and has led Strømsgodset and Vålerenga in his home country, starting his coaching career in Europe.

NYCFC, who joined MLS in 2015 as an expansion team, have had three other managers in their history: now-Inter Miami CF assistant coach Jason Kreis, now-Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira and now-Galatasaray coach Domènec Torrent.