XABI ALONSO leads a three-man shortlist to replace Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager, according to reports.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder was sacked after just seven months in the Bernabeu dugout last month.
But he is already being lined up for a potential new job.
Alonso – who led unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen to their maiden Bundesliga title in 2024 – has been rumoured to be the man to take over at Anfield if Arne Slot is dismissed.
However, The Transfers Podcast state he is in “pole position” to become the new City boss when Guardiola leaves.
The Telegraph, though, report he is one of three candidates being eyed up.
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The others are said to be Enzo Maresca and Cesc Fabregas.
Maresca worked under Guardiola at the Etihad before forging his own managerial career with Leicester and Chelsea.
Fabregas, meanwhile, is impressing at Como in Serie A and pushing for European qualification.
One man who is not in the frame, though, is Vincent Kompany.
The former City captain is on course to win his second Bundesliga title at Bayern Munich, who finished second in the Champions League league phase.
The Belgian’s contract at the Allianz Arena runs until 2029.
Roberto De Zerbi’s failure to get Marseille into the Champions League knockouts has hindered his chances, too.
SunSport understands City expect Guardiola to stay beyond this summer.
The Spaniard’s current deal does not expire until 2027 and it is thought, as things stand, he does not plan to walk away at the end of this season.
When the time does come to replace Guardiola, City director of football Hugo Viana will head up the recruitment process.
Viana has strong links with super-agent Jorge Mendes, whose company represent Maresca.
City sit second in the Premier League table, six points off leaders Arsenal, as Guardiola chases a seventh winner’s medal at the Etihad.
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