Last Updated: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 16:51
Manchester City are the leading contenders to land Pep Guardiola as manager when he returns to football, according to AC Milan's owner.
Milan's outspoken owner and president Silvio Berlusconi claims Guardiola is almost certain to take charge of City when he ends his self-imposed exile from football.
Guardiola decided to take a year-long break at the end of last season after guiding Barcelona to unprecedented success in both Europe and La Liga.
Berlusconi, who has publicly backed current Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri on a number of occasions this season, claims he would love to hire Guardiola when he does decide to return to management - but claims Manchester City are the front-runners in the hunt for the Spaniard's signature, despite reported interest from Chelsea.
Berlusconi feels the fact City have appointed former Barcelona directors Txiki Begiristain and Ferra Sorriano gives them an edge in the battle for Guardiola.
He said: "Who would not want someone like Guardiola? There are some English clubs after Guardiola, especially [Manchester] City who have directors that we know very well. We will try to sign him, but it's going to be difficult."
Current City boss Roberto Mancini addressed the rumours regarding Guardiola earlier this month and insists he has no fears over his future at the Etihad Stadium, despite failure to guide his side out of the group stage in the Champions League for a second successive season.
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