XABI ALONSO is being considered as Pep Guardiola’s successor at Manchester City, according to reports.
Guardiola has hinted that this could be his final season at the Etihad with his deal up at the end up the season.
However, City chiefs have reportedly already lined up their replacement in the form of Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso.
According to Sky Sport Germany, the Bundesliga outfit are resigned to losing the former midfielder next summer despite his contract expiring in the 2025/26 season.
Alonso guided them to a remarkable unbeaten league and DFB-Pokal winning campaign as well as the Europa League final last season.
He committed to the German side over the summer after turning down the chance to replace Jurgen Klopp at ex-club Liverpool.
The Premier League-topping Reds are currently out of the race due to their happiness with Arne Slot.
But the 42-year-old is once again being lined up by European heavyweights this summer, with City and former club Real Madrid both holding “concrete interest” in a deal.
Man City goalkeeper Ederson believes club chiefs have already sorted out the next manager once 53-year-old Guardiola departs.
Alonso could face competition from Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim, who has been tipped to take over following the announcement that close pal Hugo Viana will move to City as director of football in the summer.
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In a boost to City and Madrid, Leverkusen have also already started searching for a successor.
The report suggests that VfB Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeneß and Germany assistant manager Sandro Wagner are being considered.