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Topics: Pep Guardiola, Manchester City
Josh Lawless
Pep Guardiola has been set a deadline by Manchester City to decide his future, reports say.
On Sunday, it was claimed that Guardiola is expected to end his glittering at City at the end of next season.
The Catalan, who has guided City to an unprecedented fourth Premier League titles in a row and 15 major trophies, has a contract which runs until 2025.
He arrived in 2016 and will therefore sign off after nine years should he decide to move on from the Etihad Stadium next summer.
It's believed that Guardiola is thinking about walking away following the conclusion of the newly revamped 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
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City want him to stay put and continue to add to the six Premier League titles he has lifted, but ESPN claim the club want to know of his decision by Christmas.
Guardiola has an excellent rapport with director of football Txiki Begiristain, making it much easier when it comes to the details of his departure.
The 53-year-old admitted he is '"closer to leaving than staying" after winning the Premier League yet again following a final day triumph over West Ham.
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But while City believe he will see out his contract, they understandably need to know where his head is at so they can plan for life after Guardiola.
In terms of his potential next moves after City, an international job appears much likely than taking on another challenge within club football.
According to the Daily Mail, City have their eyes on four managers who they feel would be a suitable replacement to Guardiola for when he does call it a day.
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Michel, who has guided sister club Girona into third in La Liga, Julian Nagelsmann, Bayer Leverkusen's record-breaking boss Xabi Alonso and former Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi are all said to feature on City's shortlist.