Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has reportedly been ‘sounded out’ by the FA about becoming the next permanent England men’s manager.
The Catalan manager, 53, is out of contract at City next summer and is yet to decide his future.
But according to The Times, he has now been officially contacted by the FA regarding the England job.
No decision has yet been made by Guardiola, though he is reportedly set to decide over the coming weeks.
Naturally, Manchester City would like Pep to stay put. He has led them to six Premier League titles, including five in the past six seasons.
City have also won the Champions League, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups, three Community Shields and the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup during his tenure.
These trophies, plus his incredible record at former clubs Bayern Munich and Barcelona, have made Guardiola one of the most successful managers in modern history.
It’s therefore no surprise to see the FA chasing such a prolific winner as the permanent successor to Gareth Southgate.
But with Pep yet to respond to the FA, he remains one of numerous candidates, though by far the most highly desired.
Pep Guardiola Undecided On England Manager Job
At the weekend, Guardiola dismissed claims he has already decided to leave Manchester City.
He told Italian TV show Che Tempo Che Fa: “Leaving City? It’s not true, I haven’t decided yet.
“And it is not even true that I will be the next England coach. If I had decided I would say it… I don’t know either, anything can happen.”
It would undoubtedly be some statement for the FA to get Guardiola.
After Sunday’s 2-0 win over Finland, interim boss Lee Carsley said the Three Lions needed “a world-class coach who has won trophies”.
There are few, if any, in world football with a more decorated managerial CV. And having already nurtured and developed several England stars, he knows how to get the best our of players like Phil Foden and John Stones.
The question is not if Pep would be a good fit, but whether he wants the job.