Manchester City have formally sought out Pep Guardiola to see whether he plans to see out his contract - or leave once this current season ends.

The Catalan is in his tenth season at the helm but noise continues to swirl that this could prove to be his swansong at the Etihad. Guardiola has just claimed another trophy in the form of the Carabao Cup, which saw City down title rivals Arsenal at Wembley.

After that triumph TalkSPORT understands that senior figures at the club attempted to gauge whether Guardiola was planning to stay put in the summer, or call it a day. Even the likes of sporting director Hugo Viana still don't know whether the 55-year-old will remain in his post come the end of this season.

City had hoped that Guardiola would confirm, at least privately, whether or not he was staying during this international break. The club need to prepare for all scenarios, the worst of which leaves them needing a new manager.

Guardiola has always been allowed the right to make up his own mind about his future and the club maintain they have contingency plans in place should Guardiola leave a year before his contract expires.

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It is understood that several summer targets, including Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, are keen to know whether or not Guardiola will be the manager before making the decision. However there is no suggestion players will turn down City's approaches should the Catalan no longer be in charge.

One man to previously be linked with the job if Guardiola were to leave was Enzo Maresca, who was axed by Chelsea on New Year's Day. The Italian previously served as an assistant to the Catalan and admitted that he held talks with figures at the club about a future role.

Guardiola has won 19 trophies at the Etihad, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023. He's in the midst of rebuilding his side and is seeking to avoid going successive years without claiming the top flight.

The City boss has continued investing in his squad with the likes of Marc Guehi, Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders joining in the last 12 months. The Manchester outfit trail league leaders Arsenal by nine points but do have a game in hand.

Guardiola and City recently downed the Gunners and will face them later this month, which could see them cut the gap at the top.

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