PARIS (AFP) - Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was on the verge of taking charge of Galatasaray on Sunday after holding talks with the Turkish giants.

Galatasaray, who sacked Fatih Terim last week, confirmed on Twitter that they had met with the 48-year-old Italian in Istanbul.

"President Unal Aysal and chief executive Lutfi Aribogan have met with Roberto Mancini," the club announced by posting a picture of the three men on Twitter.

Mancini was sacked as manager of Manchester City in May - a year to the day after leading the club to the English Premier League title.

His time at City saw the club win a first major trophy in 35 years with the 2011 FA Cup, while the 2011/2012 Premier League title was their first top-flight crown since 1968.

Defending Turkish champions Galatasaray have endured a miserable start to the season despite boasting the talents of former Chelsea star Didier Drogba.

They are in 10th place in the league table with just seven points from five games, eight points behind leaders Fenerbache.

They also suffered a 6-1 defeat at home to Real Madrid in their Champions League opening match.