RB Leipzig’s Julian Nagelsmann and the former Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino have been speculated to be the ideal candidates for the Manchester City job in case Pep Guardiola decides not to renew his current contract.

The Spaniard is in the final year of his contract and there have not been reports of further renewal, with the manager progressively dipping in form. Guardiola has made the worst starts of his City campaign since taking over the club in 2016. The Citizens have won two, drawn twice and lost once in the current Premier League as they lie 13th with eight points with a game in hand.

The Daily Mail has published that the English club are preparing a shortlist of candidates to replace him, should he decide not to extend his stay in the Premier League.

READ ALSO:

Vardy's contribution against big teams defines his prowess - Rodgers

Pep was earlier linked to the Barcelona job following the sacking of Quique Setien after Xavi turned the offer down. His agent, Josep Maria Orobitg quickly dismissed the news and spoke that, "He's 100 per cent staying at Manchester City.”

Since taking over at City, he has won every trophy in the English top-flight including the Premier League on two occasions, the FA Cup, and three League Cups for the Sky Blues.

Pochettino was dismissed by Tottenham Hotspur in 2019 with his side placed 14th in the Premier League table after their impressive Champions League campaign. He was replaced by Jose Mourinho and has still not been employed.

Julian Nagelsmann holds a reputable record after his side’s historic European Cup semifinal before losing to Paris Saint Germain. He is currently on top of the Bundesliga table having won four and drawn one game in the League.