Man City boss Pep Guardiola wanted by Argentina to replace Jorge Sampaoli
AFA want the Spanish coach to reunite with Lionel Messi and replace Sampaoli after a disappointing World Cup campaign
ARGENTINA are preparing for a sensational move for Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, according to reports.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) want the Spaniard to reunite with Lionel Messi, should Jorge Sampaoli quit or get sacked following a poor World Cup showing.
Should the 47-year-old take over sooner, rather later, he would once again join forces with Messi, who he coached to 14 trophies at Barcelona.
It would also see him link up with current Man City stars Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Otamendi.
However, there remains the small matter of Sampaoli's future, who would be in for a big payout if he is sacked.
FROM RUSSIA WITH LIVE All the latest action, news, goals and gossip from the World Cup
Yet, it is expected that he will leave his role in the near future, after suffering player unrest and eventually watching on as Argentina were knocked out of the World Cup in the last 16 to France.
Guardiola joining the South Americans would signal one of the biggest managerial changes in recent years, with the Spaniard recently winning the Premier League title at Man City.
The success is seen as the beginning of his project at the Etihad Stadium, as he aims to replicate his glory at Barcelona.
Another obstacle standing in Argentina's way is Guardiola's current deal at City, which runs until 2021.
AFA are also looking at Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone, current Peru coach Ricardo Gareca and River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo.