The Football Association (FA) are reportedly exploring the option of employing an interim manager to take over from Gareth Southgate so that the governing body can 'try to coax' Pep Guardiola to become the next England men's boss.
While it is not yet confirmed, Mail Sport understands that Guardiola is expected to call time on his glittering tenure at Manchester City at the end of next season, having won 15 major trophies, including a the club's first Champions League title.
His name has been thrown in the hat alongside several other candidates to succeed Southgate, who stepped down from his role as the England men's manager on Tuesday, following almost eight years in charge of the national side.
According to The Independent, the FA are 'willing to wait for Guardiola' and while it is not their preference to hold off on making a permanent appointment, the Spanish manager 'represents such an outstanding candidate' that they could appoint an interim coach in a bid to land their man.
Southgate's contract with England was due to expire in December and questions had mounted over whether the Three Lions boss would stay on in his role.
The FA could look to wait until Pep Guardiola has left his role at Man City to appoint him as the next permanent England manager
It was announced on Tuesday that Southgate (pictured) would be stepping down from his role as England boss
Reports claim the FA could appoint an interim manager and try to 'coax Guardiola' to take the England men's manager's position
Southgate's departure as Three Lions boss was confirmed on Tuesday following their 2-1 defeat in the Euro 2024 final against Spain.
Several managers have been linked with a move to take over from Southgate, including England women's manager Sarina Wiegaman, Graham Potter, Eddie Howe and England U21s manager, Lee Carsley.
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The Independent claims that Carsley is seen as someone who is 'ready to step up', considering his success with England's age-grade side and the former Everton midfielder could potentially take a similar route to becoming England's next permanent manager.
Guardiola, meanwhile, would remain the dream appointment for the FA, with the Spaniard having previously spoken out on holding a potential desire to step into international management as his next step.
'A national team, yes. Next step will be a national team, if there is a possibility. A national team is the next step,' Guardiola said in an interview in 2021.
'I would like to train for a European Championship, a Copa America, a World Cup.'
But coaxing the 53-year-old away from Man City will not be an easy task, and there is a chance that the Spanish FA could look to appoint their countryman when Luis de la Fuente leaves his role - but his public support for Catalan independence has been seen as a potential barrier.
Guardiola is renowned as one of football's greatest-ever tacticians, having now clinched six Premier League titles, three Champions Leagues, three LaLiga titles and three German Championships.
It is not the first time Guardiola has been backed to step into international management, with former Man City star Fernandinho stating that in two years time the Spaniard will be coaching a national side.
Guardiola has previously spoken on his desire to step into international management
Several coaches have been linked with the vacant England men's manager role, including Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman (pictured)
Lee Carsley (pictured), England's U21s manager, has also been linked with the role
'There's a chance [he could coach Brazil], but I think there are other teams on par to possibly have [Pep] Guardiola as a coach in the future.
'No, I don't think Spain. The Catalonia/Spain issue, you know how it is… I would believe in England, where he is, knows the players and everything, and maybe Netherlands… His father in football, who is he? [Johann Cruyff]'
'I think we have to think outside the box… Style of play, it will depend on several things. I would guess that by 2030, the 2030 cycle [for the FIFA World Cup]. In other words, by 2026, he would be with a national team.'
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