Manchester City have added Xabi Alonso to a three-man shortlist of candidates who could replace Pep Guardiola if the club need to appoint a new manager.
The revelation comes amid continued uncertainty over Guardiola’s long-term future at the Etihad Stadium, with City understood to be keeping close tabs on potential successors.
Alonso has impressed since moving into management and has drawn attention with his work in Germany, leading City to include him alongside two other names on their internal list as part of their forward planning.
Guardiola remains in charge and there has been no official change of position from the club, but City are believed to be preparing for all scenarios should the Spaniard decide to move on.
No approaches or formal talks have been confirmed, and the shortlist is understood to be a contingency plan rather than an indication that Guardiola’s exit is imminent.
