Argentina have identified Pep Guardiola as their top managerial target for the national team, according to reports in Spain, reported by Manchestereveningnews.co.uk.
AS suggest the Argentine Football Association are willing to break the bank to secure a deal for the Manchester City manager.
Argentina have reportedly named their top target to become their new manager... Pep Guardiola. ?
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 4, 2018
A look at the papers: https://t.co/O5J2k1tol2 pic.twitter.com/PIIHbBSnoO
A bumper wage is a viable option for Argentina because domestic television channel Torneos are reportedly open to paying up to half of his annual salary.
Rumours of a shock switch are also fuelled by a suggestion from AS that Guardiola has already informed Sergio Aguero that he would “love” to coach Argentina.
Guardiola's links to Lionel Messi are also reported as a contributing factor to a possible deal, with the City manager reportedly keen to see the Barcelona legend fulfill his potential at international level.
Argentina reportedly want Pep Guardiola as their new manager and are willing to pay him around £12m per year to leave Manchester City for them.
— UNILAD Football (@UNILADFooty) July 4, 2018
Could he be tempted to work with Messi again? ? pic.twitter.com/bfY9kNCXW4
Despite the rumour, it is worth remembering Guardiola has only recently signed a new deal that keeps him at the club until 2021 and is committed to establishing a legacy at the Etihad.
Why Guardiola would ever want to leave City is one question, and it seems like wishful thinking that he would step into international management at this stage of his managerial career.