Pep Guardiola 'considers Man City U-turn' after England approach him to be next boss

Pep Guardiola is on the FA's radar as they continue to search for a long-term replacement for Gareth Southgate, with the Spaniard's Manchester City contract set to expire

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's manager, is contemplating extending his contract after being approached to take over the England senior team. The FA are on the hunt for a long-term successor to Gareth Southgate, with interim boss Lee Carsley returning to the Under-21s.

Guardiola has emerged as the top choice for FA chiefs. The Spaniard, who has guided Manchester City to four consecutive Premier League titles and is one of football's most influential coaches, has a contract at the Etihad Stadium that expires at the end of the season.

This situation has caught the attention of England bosses, who have approached him about taking over the Three Lions once he departs City. However, it seems Guardiola is keeping his options open.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the Spaniard is considering signing a 12-month extension to his City contract. City would prefer him to sign for a longer period but would be thrilled if he commits to an additional 12 months.

Guardiola last extended his contract in November 2022, which took him up to 2025, but if he stays at City, it is expected to be for a shorter term. While staying at City is very much an option, Guardiola is interested in managing a national team, reports the Mirror.

Fortunately for any national association interested in making him their manager, Guardiola accepts he will earn less money than at the club level. Currently, there is no deadline for the Spaniard as he considers his options.

The City boss even hinted that he may take a break from football if he leaves the Etihad in the summer, similar to his sabbatical after leaving Barcelona in 2012. When asked about his future on Italian TV show Che Tempo Che Fa, Guardiola said: "Leaving City? It's not true, I haven't decided yet. And it is not even true that I will be the next England coach. If I had decided I would say it... I don't know either, anything can happen."

Interim England boss Lee Carsley seems to be backing Guardiola for the role, suggesting that the FA should appoint a "world-class coach".

After leading the Three Lions to a win over Finland on Sunday, Carsley hinted that he will not take the job permanently, saying: "I've not really thought much about it. I keep saying the same thing. My remit was six games and I'm happy with that. This is a privileged position. I'm really enjoying it but I didn't enjoy the last two days. I'm not used to losing in an England team, I don't take losing well.

"People are always going to try and put their chips on one side. I'm in the middle. My bosses have made it clear what they need from me. This job deserves a world class coach who has won trophies and I am still on the path to that."