England’s top clubs will pay particular attention to a certain Spaniard in Bavaria this festive season with Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola due to announce his future plans before Christmas.

Guardiola, 44, is halfway through the third and final year of his current contract and says he will announce his decision to stay or go before December 25.

Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is ready to make Guardiola a generous offer to extend his stay by laying out “many positive reasons to stay at Bayern”.

Club captain Philipp Lahm has told the coach the squad want him to stay.

And even Bayern fans got in on the act.

Next stop England?

Marti Perarnau, the Spanish journalist who shadowed Guardiola through his first season in Munich, has insisted England will be Pep’s next stop.

Various sources claim Guardiola has already signed a deal to join Manchester City to take charge of the Citizens for the 2016/17 season.

City’s rivals Manchester United have entered the fray as possible future employers to replace Louis van Gaal following poor results and their Champions League exit.

And with Chelsea close to the Premier League relegation places, Guardiola’s name has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.

His reputation for success, having won 19 titles as either coach of Barcelona or Bayern, leaves Europe’ top clubs clamouring for his services.

Regardless of whether he stays or goes at the end of the season, Guardiola wants to get his hands on the Champions League trophy again.

Team flexibility

Guardiola has build on the work done by predecessor Jupp Heynckes. Guardiola’s Bayern can change their formation during a game if necessary.

That’s why Bayern reportedly want to up his estimated salary of 14 million euros and plenty of clubs would pay for the privilege.

But as Lahm told Kicker, “If Guardiola leaves one day, for sure another excellent coach will come along, but first we have to see what happens.”AFP