Pep Guardiola has already agreed to take over at Etihad

Although nothing formal has been agreed, the report states that City CEO Ferran Soriano and director Txiki Begiristain, two friends of Guardiola’s from his Barcelona days, have received word from the Catalan coach.

However, it has been reported by Spanish radio station that the former Barcelona boss has already decided that he would like a “change of scenery” by succeeding Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad Stadium next summer.

Few are more secure in their positions than Arsene Wenger, but could Arsenal be tempted if Guardiola does decide to leave the Allianz Arena?

He said: “All those clubs are trying to do, and I’m sure City are one of them, is try to convince him”.

And that will come as a shattering blow to Premier League clubs with Chelsea and Manchester City long-term admirers of Guardiola.

Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who is scheduled to start talks with Guardiola next month, shocked fans yesterday when asked about his manager’s future.

“We will hold contract talks with a number of players, but I will not mention their names right now out of respect”.

“Pep Guardiola and I have always said that there would be a decision in the year 2015”, Rummenigge said at an event for a sponsor. If Manchester City are to appoint Pep Guardiola as their coach, could that have an influence on Messi’s decision?

“We are experiencing the team’s best times of its 115-year history”, Rummenigge said.

Boateng, who reports suggest is close to signing a new contract with Bayern, has played in all but one of his side’s league games this season.

Pellegrini’s priority is to get City back to winning ways after a 4-1 thrashing by Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League last weekend and a midweek loss to Juventus in the Champions League.