Last Updated: Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:01
FIFA agent Francois Gallardo has claimed former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola has agreed a deal to take charge of Manchester City.
Gallardo claims the Spaniard will replace current City boss Roberto Mancini at the end of the campaign, despite the fact the Italian tactician is under contract until 2017.
Guardiola has been linked with the top jobs in Europe following his decision to leave Barcelona in order to take a break from football.
Chelsea have been heavily linked with Guardiola and it is understood owner Roman Abramovich tried and failed to convince the former Barca boss to end his self-imposed year-long sabbatical from the game following the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo earlier this month.
Rafael Benitez has since been appointed as Chelsea interim manager but the Stamford Bridge side are expected to move again for Guardiola at the end of the season.
However, Gallardo has told a Spanish radio station the Guardiola is bound for the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season and is set to snub interest from Chelsea and AC Milan.
"Guardiola has a pre-deal to be the next manager of Manchester City," Gallardo is quoted as saying. "No matter if Milan or whoever make offers to him."
The fact that former Barcelona directors Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano are now with City has fuelled speculation that the former Barca boss could join the English champions.
Gallardo also claims Guardiola will seek to replace City keeper Joe Hart with Barcelona's Victor Valdes and it remains to be seen whether or not the FIFA agent's claims will come to fruition at the end of the season.
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