City line up Guardiola’s swoop

Manchester City are reported to be in pursuit of Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola, who they hope will take over the reins from Manuel Pellegrini at the end of next season.

The Chilean won a Premier League and League Cup double in his first season at the Etihad Stadium, although with the Citizens five points adrift of league leaders Chelsea they are on the brink of exiting the Champions League at the last-16 stage. Man City also face a season of no silverware this time around.

Guardiola is said to be seen as the ideal coach to replace Pellegrini, where he will link up with Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano again following their time together at Barcelona.

It was learnt that City, who were rumoured to have previously been knocked back by the Bayern boss in the past, will make a fresh approach for the 44-year-old when his contract in Bavaria expires next year.

Pellegrini is expected to hold key talks with club chiefs in the summer where his future will be decided, although it is unlikely that the champions will hold him down to a long-term deal.