Ex-Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola has come out of his self-imposed to hold talks, putting Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United on alert.
Guardiola earlier walked away from football at the end of last season, deciding he needed a 12-month break. But sources in Spain have revealed that the veteran, 41, has put into place a timetable for his return and instructed his advisers to open talks with interested clubs in January.
It is believed Guardiola wants to work in either England or Germany, while Chelsea, City and Bayern Munich are his preferred options at the moment, the Daily Mirror reports.
Guardiola's return has also put Roberto Mancini's future at Manchester City in jeopardy after former Barca executives Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristan were appointed at the Etihad for two different roles.
They entry has sparked speculation that they have been tasked with bringing Guardiola with them despite the fact that Mancini recently signed a five-year contract.
Mancini is currently looking for assurances that he retains the full backing of the club's Abu Dhabi-based owners, the report said. (ANI)
