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Monday cover: Winds of change swirl about Pep Guardiola

Pellegrini, expected to be replaced by Pep Guardiola this summer, is a frontrunner for the Blues job alongside Italy boss Antonio Conte, according to a report by Radio COPE, who also claim that Guus Hiddink will have his contract automatically extended should he win a trophy. I am very happy here and want to see my contract through.

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“I am convinced that Pep and our team will now work even more intensively towards achieving our major sporting goals – especially as it is now confirmed that Pep is to leave FC Bayern”. The National breaks down some of the other candidates, including Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.

“Carlo is a calm, level-headed expert who knows how to work with stars and plays a brand of football rich in variety. We are looking forward to working together”.

Guardiola’s tenure at Bayern is likely to be judged on his Champions League form as he bids to reach the final in Milan on May 28 having exited at the semi-final stage the last two seasons.

After firing Jose Mourinho, in what can only be described as the worst capitulation by a league champion, Chelsea are in the market for a new manager.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has made the startling admission that he hopes Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola will one day succeed him at the Etihad Stadium. But so far, the 44-year-old Guardiola has given no indication as to his future plans. “Some day he’ll come here”.

Now all the big clubs in Europe will be excited about this, as they would look to recreate the magic that Pep Guardiola’s teams exhibited during his first stint at Barcelona where he won everything there was to win.

And he is reportedly set to request City do all they can to bring Suarez back to the Premier League despite Barca putting a £100 million price tag on his head.

The Spaniard was appointed Barcelona boss in 2008 and became the Spanish club’s most successful manager as he led the Catalan club to 13 trophies in his four-year tenure.

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Guardiola’s side are still in the hunt for a repeat of their 2013 treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup, and will face last season’s finalists Juventus in the last 16 of Europe’s premier club competition.

Under pressure Van Gaal and Pellegrini will both be looking over their shoulders