Bayern Munich contact Carlo Ancelotti as Pep Guardiola to Manchester City fears grow

The Spaniard's current contract expires at the end of this season, he's stalling on talks over a new one and has now been handed a New Year deadline

Bayern Munich are making plans to replace Pep Guardiola as concern grows at the Bundesliga champions that their coach is heading to Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola handed New Year deadline to decide his future with FB Bayern Munchen

Bayern have identified currently jobless Carlo Ancelotti as the man to replace former Barcelona boss Guardiola, who continues to stall over talks about a new contract.

Guardiola's deal expires at the end of this season and his reluctance to extend it has prompted the belief that he will be on his way to the Etihad after three years with the German giants.

Bayern have now given the 44-year-old Spaniard a New Year deadline. The Bundesliga's six-week winter break begins the week before Christmas, and the patience of the club's hierarchy has run out.

Bayern are aware aware that their coach has a close relationship with City executives Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain from their time together at Barca.

Carlo Ancelotti with the UEFA Champions League trophy

And that has prompted them to make contact with former AC Milan, Chelsea and Real Madrid coach Ancelotti about taking over. They know that French champions Paris Saint-Germain are also targeting the Italian - who coached them from 2011-13 - as a possible replacement for his own successor, Laurent Blanc.

City insist reports that they have already struck a verbal agreement with Guardiola are inaccurate. But they said the same thing two years ago, when it was claimed Manuel Pellegrini would take over from Roberto Mancini - and the Chilean did eventually arrive at the Etihad.

Mirror Sports UK