Former England and Manchester City striker Francis Lee has died aged 79, the Premier League club have announced.
Lee, who also had a spell as City chairman in the 1990s, scored 148 goals in 330 appearances for the club between 1967-74.
City said on X, formerly known as Twitter: "It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and chairman Francis Lee.
"Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time."
Lee, who began his playing career at Bolton, joined Derby from City in 1974. He won 27 England caps, scoring 10 goals, after making his full international debut in 1968 and appeared at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.
City added on their official website: "Franny passed away in the early hours of this morning after a long battle with cancer.
"His wife Gill and children Charlotte, Jonny and Nik say he will be sorely missed and would like to thank everyone for their kind words.
"Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.
"As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast. More tributes from the club will follow in the coming days."
Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Watch Manchester United v Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday from 7pm live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app
Watch the Sports Direct FAI Cup semi-finals, Galway United v Bohemians (Saturday 2.30pm) and Cork City v St Patrick's Athletic (Sunday 2.30pm) on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player and follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app
