Pep Guardiola: Man City, Manchester United and Chelsea on alert as Bayern Munich boss reveals announcement plans

The former Barcelona coach will make clear his intentions next week 

Simon Rice
Wednesday 16 December 2015 06:15 EST
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Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola (GETTY IMAGES)

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Pep Guardiola is expected to make an announcement over his future next week, with the Bayern Munich coach being linked with various Premier League clubs including Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.

The Spaniard's current deal with the German champions is due to expire at the end of the season and there is a growing sense his time at the Allianz Arena will come to an end when it does.

"Tonight, I have no answer," Guardiola said on Tuesday night when asked about his future plans. "Next week there will be clarity."

The potential availability of the former Barcelona coach has not gone unnoticed in England, with numerous teams linked with the 44-year-old.

Manchester City are understood to be the front-runners to appoint Guardiola should he leave Bayern Munich. Much of that stems from Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain, who worked successfully with Guardiola at Barcelona, holding executives roles at the Etihad. Current manager Manuel Pellegrini has a contract running until 2017.

Manchester United have understandably been linked amid growing criticism of the style of football being played under current manager Louis van Gaal, who is halfway through a three-year contract at Old Trafford. However the Independent understands that the Manchester United hierarchy are satisfied with the progress being made under the Dutchman.

Uncertainty over the future of Jose Mourinho also sees Chelsea linked with Guardiola, with the Spaniard likely to be a contender alongside Antonio Conte if the club are in need of a new coach in the summer.

Bayern Munich have been successful under Guardiola, winning the Bundesliga twice plus the German Cup, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup. Captain Philipp Lahm, who has flourished since his arrival in 2013, has indicated the players want him to remain

"The team's position is clear, we enjoy working with our coach and we really, really want to keep doing so," he said.

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