Manchester City could be lining Xabi Alonso up as Pep Guardiola's replacement, according to ex-City ace Costel Pantilimon. With Guardiola's contract set to expire next year and the Spaniard showing little urgency to sort out his future, speculation is swirling over who might step into his shoes.
Bayer Leverkusen manager Alonso, who played under Guardiola at Bayern Munich, has been mooted as a possible successor. However, he is in demand after the stellar 'Invincibles' campaign he oversaw at the BayArena last season.
The former Real Madrid midfielder was Liverpool's top choice to replace Jurgen Klopp in the summer but ultimately chose to stay put at Leverkusen.
However, Pantilimon reckons City might have what it takes to nab him, particularly if Guardiola decides to lay some of the groundwork. READ MORE: Man City could get Arsenal help to secure new Pep Guardiola contract READ MORE: Gary Neville reveals he’d break his own golden rule for Pep Guardiola in honest admission "I would really like to see Xabi Alonso take over from [Guardiola].