Pep Guardiola to AC Milan?

The Italian press have reported that Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani intends to ‘lure’ the Spaniard to the club where he is rumoured to be interested in taking command.

Guardiola has yet to officially return to football after stepping down from his Barcelona post earlier this year for a 'sabbatical', and was last spotted in the crowds in the US at the Ryder Cup.

Speculation over the likelihood of Guardiola taking over a Premier League club may have been premature in light of his alleged interest in Italy as his destination.

But the conjecture is unlikely to cease after AC Milan made a statement categorically denying their interest in the double Champion’s League winning manager.

President Silvio Berlusconi had reportedly requested Guardiola personally, leading Galliani to arrange the meeting in New York.

But Galliani played down the rumours, saying: "I don't have any plans to travel to New York to meet Pep Guardiola. I am going to New York soon, but only to see my daughter.”

Such comments are understandable given that current Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri still occupies the role at the club. However, his position has become increasingly under pressure and it is understood that his days are numbered at the San Siro.

Guardiola has been linked to a number of clubs since his departure from the Nou Camp – most notably Premier League rivals Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal. He had also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in the wake of Harry Redknapp’s and Kenny Dalglish’s dismissals, respectively.

Whilst Milan may have distanced themselves from the rumours, that may only be a public relations exercise intended to protect the pride and dignity of Allegri but, should he be ousted from his position leaving a vacancy, Guardiola’s name is sure to be bandied about once again. So one way or another, this one looks unlikely to go away.

Jenny Leigh

@backpagenewsmore stories from Jenny Leigh

Jennifer is a freelance writer and filmmaker from London with a great passion for football - the game, the business, and the culture. Jennifer hopes to provide readership with a high standard of news, analysis, and opinion over a range of football events, stories, and issues.