Fergie could be set to mentor Guardiola as Barca boss is linked with Man United

Published: 23 Dec 2009 - 15:26:11

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Fergie could be set to mentor Guardiola as Barca boss is linked with Man United

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola has been linked with Sir Alex Ferguson's job at Manchester United. The rookie Catalan coach is out of contract at the end of the season, leading to speculation about how long he will stay with the club he led to an unprecedented six trophies in a single year. There are rumours in Spain that Guardiola could leave the Nou Camp as early as April to work under Ferguson at Old Trafford before eventually taking the reins when the 67-year-old Scot retires. Your time will come son: Old Trafford manager Ferguson (left) and Guardiola The leaks could be seen as an attempt to clinch a favourable new deal at Barca, but it is thought that the 38-year-old has a long-term ambition to manage in England and also admires Chelsea. It is understood that he admires the power that managers like Ferguson get over all matters of the club in the Barclays Premier League. In contrast, Guardiola works with a technical secretariat at Barca, headed by Txiki Begiristain, who is in charge of player recruitment and strategy. The model is common in Spain, Italy and other European leagues, though in England there has been resistance to director-of-football-style roles. Euro stars: Lionel Messi (centre) pulled the strings on the pitch as Guardiola masterminded Barca's Champions League victory over United in Rome in May Joan Laporta is keen to tie Guardiola to a new contract before he has to step down as president in the summer. A two-year deal has been mooted, though there may be get-out clause negotiated allowing the former Spain midfielder to walk away if he is not satisfied by the election of Laporta's successor. Former Nike executive Sandro Rosell is standing for the post and expected to offer Guardiola English-style freedom in a move that would most likely lead to Begiristain's departure. The coach's stock is high after winning La Liga, the Spanish Cup, Champions League, Spanish Super Cup, European Super Cup and Club World Cup in 2009, having only taken over from Frank Rijkaard last summer. Villa gives United and Chelsea green light to take him to Premier LeagueNeville predicts tightest title race ever - but has no sympathy for ChelseaFergie rules out January spree for new defenders despite recent woesUnited 'open talks' over £7.5m move for Marseille mad man Ben Arfa The great Premier League mystery: Does anyone REALLY want to win the title?MANCHESTER UNITED FC