Silvio Berlusconi: 'Manchester City want Pep Guardiola'

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has claimed that Manchester City are trying to persuade Pep Guardiola to become their new manager at the end of the season.

Guardiola is currently on sabbatical in New York and has insisted that he will not consider returning to football until next season.

The former Barcelona boss is also thought to be Chelsea's number one target to be Roberto Di Matteo's permanent replacement at Stamford Bridge.

Berlusconi told reporters that City are chasing a deal to bring in Guardiola and will dismiss Roberto Mancini if they can secure his services.

He told reporters: "There are some English clubs after Guardiola, especially City who have directors that we know very well."

The Milan owner also revealed that he is not interested in a swap deal involving Mario Balotelli and Alexandre Pato in January.