Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was offered the England job but turned it down, claims Guillem Balague

Balague, who is a close friend of Guardiola’s, has claimed that not only was Guardiola one of the rumoured 10 shortlisted managers for the Three Lions job, but that an offer was made that he considered for “two months” before turning it down.

As previously reported by NationalWorld, Thomas Tuchel has accepted that role on an 18-month contract. The German has formerly managed the likes of Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich, and is considered by many to be a serial winner.

It comes as Guardiola’s current contract with Manchester City is set to expire at the end of the season, with the Spaniard even suggesting that he would help to find his replacement if asked to.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 this morning (October 23), Balague spilled the beans about Guardiola being offered a contract - and added that he still might take up the offer in the future.

Balague said: “He [Guardiola] actually was offered the job. He thought about it for two months, and after two months he said, ‘No because I don’t even know what I’m going to do at the end of this season.’ Manchester City right now feel he’s closer to staying than leaving but nobody really knows.

“What seems clear is that in the cycle from the next World Cup to the following one [2030], he will have a national side; England are favourites. If Tuchel wins the World Cup, forget that plan.”