Bayern Munich making plans for Pep Guardiola’s exit

“It is the first time he was in this situation”.

Manchester City have moved a step closer to landing Pep Guardiola – with the Spaniard set to quit Bayern Munich. The club have widely been reported to be willing to go to whatever lengths it takes to keep Guardiola in Bavaria.

Manchester City are considered the favourites for Guardiola’s services, with Marca specifically mentioning Man City under their headline and Sport Bild mentioning the club is “considered as a potential new employer”.

So it’s little surprise to see Guardiola dominate today’s Premier League gossip.

Daily Mail reports: “Sportsmail understands Guardiola, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has taken the decision to leave Bayern”.

Despite links with both Manchester United and Chelsea, the 44-year old is thought to have already agreed a deal with the Citizens from next summer onwards.

After Bayern’s win over Darmstadt on Tuesday, Guardiola said: “Tonight I have no answer”. Kicker suggested his departure was “an open secret”.

The Spanish publication believes that Guardiola informed Bayern of his intentions last week, leading to them scrambling for a replacement.

Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone, who could cost £15million to lure from Spain.

The attraction of City, should the post become available, is obvious – and not just because of the money and investment available – but also because the chance Guardiola would have to create something and develop an even greater force in European football.

Chelsea confirmed that they had parted company with the Portuguese coach on Thursday afternoon after the Blues slumped to their ninth Premier League defeat of the season against Leicester City on Monday night.