Man City 'decide' next manager after Pep Guardiola with clear favourite for job

Manchester City have reportedly decided on their next manager in the event that Pep Guardiola departs the club.

Guardiola, 55, replaced Manuel Pellegrini at City back in the summer of 2016 after spells with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Since then, Guardiola has managed 574 matches across all competitions, with a record of 404 victories, 83 draws and 87 defeats, which equates to a win rate of 70.38 per cent.

He has also led the club to six Premier League titles and one Champions League crown, among other trophies.

However, in recent months, Guardiola's future has been a topic of conversation, with his contract set to expire at the end of the 26/27 campaign.

As a result, a host of different managers have been linked with a potential move to the Etihad Stadium in the future.

The likes of Xabi Alonso, Andoni Iraola, Vincent Kompany, Roberto De Zerbi and Mikel Arteta have all been mentioned as potential successors to Guardiola.

However, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, former Chelsea and Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca is the leading candidate for the City job when Guardiola decides to leave.

Romano made a claim after squashing rumours linking Maresca with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, who sacked Thomas Frank last week.

Spurs are looking for a new manager after apppointing Igor Tudor until the rest of the season.

He wrote on social media: "No talks between Tottenham and Enzo Maresca so far despite recent links.

"Understand Maresca remains the clear leading candidate to be next Manchester City head coach…when/if Pep Guardiola decides to leave."

Enzo Maresca has been linked with a move to Manchester City. Image: Getty

Maresca, 46, was sacked by Chelsea last month despite leading the club to the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup during his time in charge.

It was reported that a breakdown in the relationship between Maresca and the club's bosses may have played a role in the Italian's dismissal.

During his time as Chelsea boss, Maresca took charge of 92 matches, winning 55, drawing 16 and losing 21. He holds a winning record of 59.78 per cent.

Prior to taking over at Leicester, Maresca worked as Guardiola's assistant manager at City, replacing Juanma Lillo.