FA approach Pep Guardiola over England manager's job as Man City boss emerges as 'standout option' to replace Gareth Southgate

According to The Times, the FA made informal contact with Guardiola at the start of the season as they attempt to identify Gareth Southgate's permanent replacement. The governing body are considering other candidates as well, but the City boss would be the "standout option" should he decide to leave the Etihad Stadium when his contract expires at the end of this season.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager hasn't replied to the FA about the role, but he's expected to make a decision regarding his future in the next few weeks. City, unsurprisingly, are keen for Guardiola to stay and enter a 10th season with the club.

Guardiola certainly meets the criteria outlined by the FA in their job advertisement for the role. A manager with "significant experience of English football, with a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions" is desired, along with someone "experienced in successfully identifying, managing and developing English-qualified players".

Guardiola discussed his future on Italian TV show Che Tempo Che Fa on Sunday, saying: "Leaving City? It's not true, I haven't decided yet. And it is not even true that I will be the next England coach. If I had decided I would say it… I don't know either, anything can happen."

While Guardiola is the dream appointment, there are a host of other names in the running for the England job. Thomas Tuchel, who reportedly has been in negotiations with the FA, is out of work, while interim boss Lee Carsley didn't rule himself out after Sunday's 3-1 win against Finland.