Manchester City reportedly view Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou as a 'gifted' manager, amid speculation over Pep Guardiola's long-term future at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola has been in charge of the Citizens since the summer of 2016, but he now has less than 15 months remaining on his current contract and it remains uncertain as to whether he wishes to extend his stay in Manchester.
According to New York Times journalist Rory Smith, Man City have been closely monitoring Postecoglou since 2018, when the 56-year-old took charge of Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos, who are owned by City Football Group.
Postecoglou is 'really rated' by City's hierarchy, and while Smith claims that is it "not impossible" to see the Australian replace Guardiola, he believes a potential move from Celtic to the Etihad Stadium is highly unlikely, given his lack of Champions League experience.
"Ange Postecoglou is not going to get the Man City job, but there are a lot of people at City who really rate him," Smith told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"That actually says all you need to know about how well regarded he is within coaching circles. He worked for Yokohama Marinos which is the City Football Group team in the J-League.
"They think he's really, really good. I'd be staggered if Pep (Guardiola) left in the summer or next summer if they gave it to Postecoglou, but there are people there who will tell you he's a really gifted manager.
"I'm not saying it's impossible (that Postecoglou would replace Guardiola), but it would be surprising."
Postecoglou endured a rocky start to life at Celtic, but the Australian has since steered the Hoops on a 26-game unbeaten league run and they are now sitting at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, six points clear of rivals and current holders Rangers with six games remaining.
Oliver Thomas
