Manchester City 'plan Pep Guardiola talks'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 22 March 2015

Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola remains Manchester City's first choice to replace Manuel Pellegrini this summer, according to a report.

Manchester City will reportedly delay making a decision over manager Manuel Pellegrini's future while they attempt to lure Pep Guardiola to the club.

The Chilean has failed to match the title-winning highs of his maiden campaign at the Etihad Stadium, which has led to widespread speculation that he could be on his way should the Citizens find a suitable replacement.

Bayern Munich boss Guardiola, who is contracted to the Bavarian giants until the end of next season, is said to be the leading candidate to take the reins at City if he is willing to cut short his current £20m-a-year deal.

A report in The Express claims that, should the Premier League champions be able to tempt the former Barcelona manager into jumping ship, then Pellegrini will be shown the exit door this summer.

Guardiola has previously worked alongside City chiefs Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano during his time in charge at the Camp Nou, which the club hope will help to persuade him to take over.