Former Pep Guardiola assistant and Chelsea coach, Enzo Maresca has agreed to become the next Manchester City manager following Guardiola’s expected departure this summer, according to talkSPORT.
City are now moving ahead with plans to replace Guardiola, who is set to end a glittering ten-year spell at the Etihad Stadium.
Maresca, who left Chelsea in January, is poised to return to City after previously serving on Guardiola’s coaching staff before launching his managerial career.
According to the report, the Italian did not resign from Chelsea with assurances that the City job was waiting for him. It is understood the opportunity only became concrete during the March international break.
talkSPORT added that Maresca attracted interest from clubs in the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A, while City made contact before his exit from Stamford Bridge.
The former Leicester City boss had reportedly discussed the possibility of extending his stay at Chelsea earlier in the campaign before stepping down on New Year’s Eve.
Guardiola fuelled speculation over his future after Saturday’s FA Cup triumph over Chelsea, walking out of an interview with talkSPORT when questioned about returning to defend the trophy next season.
The Spaniard also ended an interview with TNT Sports after being asked about his plans beyond the current campaign.
His exit now appears close, with Maresca lined up as the leading candidate to succeed him in the City dugout.
Guardiola took charge of Manchester City in 2016 after replacing Manuel Pellegrini, having previously managed Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
During his time at City, Guardiola has won 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a historic treble.
His haul also features three FA Cups, five Carabao Cups and the UEFA Champions League, with the club reportedly planning to name a stand at the Etihad in his honour.
