Departing Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has apparently told friends that he could turn down the chance to take the Manchester City job in favour of a move to Manchester United instead, according to the Daily Star.
City owner Sheik Mansour has been desperate to hire the Spaniard ever since he departed Barcelona back in 2013, and his announcement of his intention to leave Bayern at the end of the campaign has prompted him to enter the scramble for his signature.
However, both Chelsea and Manchester United are also reported to be interested in bringing him to the Premier League, and have the necessary financial clout to challenge City for his services.
Mansour and City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak want him to lead their charge in the league and the Champions League, but may be set for disappointment after he admitted that he could be more interested in taking over at United instead.
Guardiola is reportedly close to United legend Sir Alex Ferguson and is attracted by the club’s rich history, and a source close to the former Barca man said: “Pep always found the club fascinating. He likes clubs with huge tradition and United certainly have this.
“He won’t be short of options when it comes to deciding his next move and Manchester City are an ambitious club. But United could still prove to be the more attractive proposition.”
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