Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has emerged as FA’s top target to replace Gareth Southgate as England’s new national team manager, MySportDab reports.
The six-time Premier League winner is now a priority option to take over the England dugout following the exit of Gareth Southgate.
Regarded as one of the best football managers, the Spaniard could land his first national team role should he become the new man incharge of the Three Lions.
The 53-year-old has a year left on his Manchester City contract which will expire at the end of the upcoming 2024-25 Premier League season.
With 12 months left in his City contract, an immediate switch to the England role is not likely as the former Barcelona boss is set to run out the remaining one year in his contract with Manchester City.
However, according to TEAMtalk, England are ready to wait till the end of Guardiola’s contract with Manchester City to bring him onboard as new manager.
This means the football chiefs could likely go for an interim hand to take charge of the team, pending when a deal will be brokered with the Spaniard for the role.
After winning his sixth Premier League title and four in a row with Manchester City last season, Guardiola revealed he may not renew his contract with Manchester City. However, he did not rule out talks with the club’s hierarchy at the end of the season.
While his future at Manchester City is still enshrouded in uncertainty, there are strong indications he may leave at the end of the 2024-25 season. Meanwhile, it is yet unclear whether he will take up his first international role as manager if he calls an end to his nine-year spell with Manchester City.
Other managers that have been linked to the England job include Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho, England women’s national team coach, Sarina Wiegman.