"Man City Creates Three-Man Shortlist to Succeed Pep Guardiola as Worries of His Departure Grow"

MANCHESTER CITY are set to draw up a three-man shortlist of candidates to replace Pep Guardiola as manager, according to reports.

Boss , 55, is still under contract at for another 18 months.

Pep Guardiola could leave Man City at the end of the seasonCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

But speculation has grown among Prem circles that the Spaniard will step away from his Etihad post at the end of this campaign.

The Telegraph claim that City have called the claims “pure speculation”.

But they add that the club are set to make “contingency plans” for Guardiola’s possible exit.

They reckon is likely to be part of a three-man shortlist of possible Guardiola successors.

The former Chelsea boss, 45, informed club chiefs that City, and , during the first half of this season.

Maresca previously worked for City as an academy coach, and then as an assistant to Guardiola.

Despite his City Football Group links, Maresca will not be the sole contender for the role.

Former boss is also expected to be in frame.

Enzo Maresca was dismissed by Chelsea earlier this monthCredit: AP

Alonso, 44, was sacked by the Spanish giants last month after just 34 games in charge.

But his stock remains high, and there is expected to be plenty of interest in his services this summer.

A third potential candidate is Como boss .

The former and star has performed stellar work in Italy, and currently has his side sixth in .

Guardiola may have some input in recommending a successor, and did manage Fabregas at Barcelona.

Many City fans would surely love to reunite with former captain , who has performed good work with .

But the Belgian, 39, is expected to stay in Bavaria after extending his contract to 2029 just a few months ago.

City trail Arsenal by six points at the top of the Premier League.

Guardiola’s side on Sunday, surrendering a two-goal lead in North London.

With City having slumped to third last season, there is a feeling in some quarters that Guardiola’s tenure may be coming towards its end.

Xabi Alonso was sacked by Real Madrid after just 34 games in chargeCredit: Getty Cesc Fabregas has impressed with his work in ItalyCredit: Getty