Exclusive: Man City think Pep Guardiola will make key decision over his future during international break

• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

After 490 games in charge of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola’s contract is currently set to expire next summer, a situation that continues to cause a lot of speculation.

At Man City, Guardiola has now eclipsed his 247 games in charge of Barcelona and has arguably enjoyed the most decorated period of his managerial career.

Guardiola is a serial winner, which makes his recent run of four consecutive defeats at City even more surprising.

After losing to Brighton & Hove Albion late on, the City boss is now enduring his worst run to date at the club.

That being said, TBR Football understands that there could be a boost on the horizon for City fans in regards to Guardiola signing a new contract.

Txiki Begiristain expects Pep Guardiola to stay at Man City

Man City hope that Guardiola could commit to signing a new deal with the club during the forthcoming international break.

In terms of City’s poor run of form, there is no wavering in their support of Guardiola and the club’s hierarchy have been continuing contract talks in the background.

READ MORE: Chris Sutton says he’s been really let down by one Man City player this season

Terms are not an issue for Guardiola, who’s current deal expires in the summer, it’s just a question of whether the 53-year-old wants to continue or not.

City sources have confirmed that there is confidence within the club that Guardiola will commit to a new deal before the end of the year, ideally in the coming weeks.

Outgoing director of football, Txiki Begiristain, has indicated to the club’s owners that he believes that Guardiola will stay and club CEO Ferran Soriano has the deal ready to go.

Xabi Alonso highly regarded if Pep Guardiola chooses to leave

The club, who have Sporting’s Hugo Viana lined up to replace Begiristain, have been doing their due diligence on potential options to replace Guardiola of late.

And in their search, Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso is someone City regard very highly. 

However, City believe that Guardiola will soon sign and will be followed by star striker Erling Haaland in finalising fresh terms with the English Champions.

In terms of his own words, Guardiola commented on the situation before City faced Wolves last month.

He said: “I’m pretty sure that the club have an option when Txiki leaves and they have options when Pep leaves.

“Sooner or later it is going to happen and they have options. It will not be a surprise. If I’m not convinced it is the best of the club. I will not delay an action if I feel it is a problem for the club.

“I will take a decision as soon as possible but I don’t have that feeling. That’s why the priority is Wolves. Of course if they ask me [who the next manager should be] I will give my opinion but it is not my job.

“The decision belongs to the club. I would say the new sporting director, the moment I’m not here any more he has to choose.”