Xabi Alonso, former Real Madrid head coach, ex-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca and current Como manager Cesc Fàbregas are among the leading candidates to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City should he step down, according to The Telegraph.

It has previously been reported that Guardiola could leave Manchester City at the end of the current season. The Spaniard has consistently avoided giving a definitive answer on the matter during press conferences, only adding to the growing sense of uncertainty.

Guardiola has been in charge at the Etihad since the summer of 2016, overseeing one of the most dominant periods in English football. Under his leadership, City have won the Premier League six times — including an unprecedented run of four consecutive titles — along with two FA Cups and four League Cups. In 2023, the club also lifted the Champions League, completing a historic treble.