Pep Guardiola has emerged as a potential target for the United States men’s national team as the country prepares for the possibility of Mauricio Pochettino leaving his position to join Manchester United.
According to The Athletic, US soccer officials are considering Guardiola as a possible successor to Pochettino, who is reportedly close to taking over from Michael Carrick at Old Trafford.
The Argentine is said to have reached a verbal agreement with Manchester United on Wednesday, with an official move potentially being completed in the coming days.
Carrick is expected to be informed of the club’s decision before the end of the week, potentially bringing Pochettino’s spell with the USMNT to an end after his upcoming fixtures against Haiti.
Guardiola discussed internally by US soccer chiefs
The Athletic reports that Guardiola is considered a leading candidate in the United States’ search for a new head coach.
The former Manchester City manager has reportedly been discussed internally at different levels of the recruitment process, although it remains unclear whether an official approach has been made.
Guardiola, 55, is understood to be intrigued by the possibility of taking charge of the national team, which is preparing for its upcoming international commitments.
Pochettino’s potential United move triggers search
Pochettino’s possible departure has prompted US soccer officials to consider alternatives as they look to secure a replacement.
The former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain manager took charge of the United States national team after leaving Chelsea and is now being linked with a return to club management in the Premier League.
His potential appointment at Manchester United would create a vacancy for the USMNT, with Guardiola among the names reportedly under consideration.
However, no agreement between Guardiola and the United States has been confirmed.