There remains doubts about Guardiola's future at City beyond the end of this campaign. The manager's current deal is now inside it's final 18 months and talks over a new contract are yet to make serious progress.
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Waiting on the sidelines is Maresca, who is available after leaving Chelsea on New Year's Day.
The Italian had two different spells at City, as an academy coach and also being part of Guardiola's staff.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano is reporting Maresca is the firm favourite to succeed Guardiola, with City holding him in high regard.