Bayer Leverkusen prepared for Man City's approach with Xabi Alonso as a possible replacement for Pep Guardiola

Bayer Leverkusen are bracing for interest from Manchester City in manager Xabi Alonso if Pep Guardiola leaves next summer, talkSPORT understands.

Guardiola's contract expires at the end of the season and although he does not rule out extending his stay, the Spaniard is no closer to a new deal.

talkSPORT understands City are willing to offer a one-year renewable contract to tempt him to stay at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola will also lose a close ally in City's director of football, Txiki Begiristain, who will leave at the end of the campaign.

City have already announced Sporting's Hugo Viana as Begiristain's replacement.

If Guardiola decides to move on, City are prepared to attack Alonso.

Alonso and Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim are expected to be high on City's wish list to replace Guardiola.

The 42-year-old has won many admirers for his work with Leverkusen, leading the club to an unbeaten season in which they won their first Bundesliga title.

He rejected advances from Liverpool, a club he represented as a player for five years, before Arne Slot was hired as Jurgen Klopp's successor.

Alonso began his managerial career at Spanish club Real Sociedad, where he took charge of the reserve team.

Clubs across Europe were put on notice when he took Real Sociedad B into the Spanish second division in his first campaign in charge, but he failed to keep them afloat the following season.

He moved to Leverkusen in October 2022 after the club sacked Gerardo Seoane, who had his worst start to a season since 1979.

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Sporting's Amorim remains an attractive option for their instant revival of the Portuguese giants.